In Las Vegas, Boise State will participate in the first-ever College Basketball Crown Tournament.

Boise State’s men’s basketball program has been invited to compete in the first-ever College Basketball Crown tournament, which will be held in Las Vegas. The new tournament features top programs from across the country for a mid-season game that will test each team that competes. For the Broncos, this tournament provides an opportunity to gain more national exposure, pick up some quality experience against the best opponents, and prepare themselves for the rigors of conference play ahead.
A Prestigious Opportunity for Boise State

The College Basketball Crown, set to compete with other big-name non-conference tournaments such as the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis, will be made up of a strongly competitive lineup of Power Five and mid-major league schools. Organizers have yet to announce the full list of participating teams, but initial indications are a mix of standard NCAA Tournament qualifiers and Cinderella candidates looking to make an impression.

For Boise State, the bid is a testament to the program’s steady ascent under head coach Leon Rice. Over the past few seasons, the Broncos have become a power in the Mountain West Conference, with several NCAA Tournament appearances and a reputation as a team to be reckoned with on the national stage.

“This is a wonderful chance for our program,” Rice stated. “Competing in an atmosphere like this, and competing against some of the best programs in the country, can only serve to make us a stronger and more resilient program as we face the challenges that will undoubtedly come our way. We are honored to be a part of the inaugural College Basketball Crown, and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase Boise State here.”

The Las Vegas Basketball Boom

Las Vegas has become a hotbed for elite college basketball tournaments, with games like the Pac-12 Tournament, the Mountain West Tournament, and the CBS Sports Classic bringing blue-blood programs to the desert every year. The addition of the College Basketball Crown only adds to the city as a premier destination for marquee basketball games.

The tournament will probably take place at T-Mobile Arena, home of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and a frequent host of big-time basketball games. The arena’s state-of-the-art facilities and electric atmosphere make it the ideal location for a tournament that wishes to make an immediate impact in its first season.

“We wanted to create an event that would attract some of the best teams in the country while providing an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike,” said tournament director Mark Livingston. “Las Vegas is the perfect place to launch the College Basketball Crown, and we’re thrilled to have Boise State as part of the inaugural field.”

How This Helps Boise State’s Season

For the Broncos, this tournament is not just about getting exposure—it’s an opportunity to add some heft to their NCAA Tournament résumé. Playing good quality opposition in a neutral-site environment could bring Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 victories, something that is an absolute necessity come Selection Sunday in March.

“Any time you can play high-level competition in a setting like this, it’s a chance to elevate your program,” Boise State forward Tyson Degenhart said. “We embrace those opportunities, and we’re excited to be able to display what we can do.”

In addition to the competition during games, the tournament will expose Boise State players to the lights of a national tournament. The more exposure by way of the media, intense games, and competitive environment will harden them for the ruggedness of postseason play.

Broncos’ Season Outlook

Boise State enters the season ranked high, as they return key players to last year’s NCAA Tournament team. The experienced mix of returning veterans and touted newcomers is a real contender for the Mountain West Conference championship.

With their non-conference schedule already filled with games against high-level competition, adding the College Basketball Crown just adds to how solid their schedule is. If the Broncos perform well in Las Vegas, it can be a springboard to a season they will never forget.

“We know what we’re capable of, and we’re hungry to prove it,” said guard Max Rice. “This tournament is another step in our journey, and we’re going to approach it with the mindset of making the most of every opportunity.”

A Tournament Built for the Future

The College Basketball Crown will be a yearly staple on the college basketball calendar. Organizers hope to construct the tournament as something everyone tunes in for annually because it brings the finest squads to square off against one another. With Las Vegas’ pull and the growing popularity of early-season showcase games, the tournament is poised to become one of the premier destinations for programs seeking high-end games outside the normal conference schedule.

For Boise State, playing in the inaugural edition is a chance to have a hand in shaping the tournament’s future identity. Victory can position the Broncos for invitations in the future, further establishing the program as one of the college basketball up-and-comers.

Final Thoughts

Boise State’s inclusion in the College Basketball Crown is a program-defining moment. It showcases their growth over the last few years and provides a decent stage for the team to test itself against the crème de la crème. With the neon lights of Las Vegas at their back, the Broncos will have a chance to make some national noise and gain some momentum in the middle of their season.

As the tournament draws near, the fans will eagerly be awaiting the full list of competing teams and the schedule of matchups. This much is certain: Boise State is ready for it, and the College Basketball Crown will be a thrilling new force in college basketball.