Match-ups, new naming rights partner announced for Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship

NASSAU, The Bahamas – A Top-25 showdown between Baylor and St. John’s tips off the opening game of the Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship on Thursday, Nov. 21 at Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein currently ranks Baylor No. 4 nationally in his preseason poll while St. John’s comes in at No. 24. The second opening-round game features No. 22 Tennessee versus Virginia in the fourth year of the tournament which now includes Continental Tire as title sponsor.

Continental Tire, headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, has now partnered with tournament promoter bdG Sports on four events after sponsoring the Continental Tire Main Event tournament in Las Vegas, Continental Tire Challenge featuring Duke beating No. 1 Gonzaga before a record-breaking crowd in Las Vegas in 2021 and last season’s Continental Tire Motor City Invitational that saw Michigan State upset No. 6 Baylor in Detroit.

“Continental Tire is excited to be the title partner of the Baha Mar Championship, featuring the top-tier matchups between Baylor and St. John’s, as well as Tennessee and Virginia,” Senior Manager of Marketing for Continental Tire Brian Beierwaltes said. “This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting premier sporting events and delivering unforgettable experiences for fans. We look forward to being part of an exciting tournament and celebrating the excellence of college basketball.”

CBS Sports Network will televise the two-day, four-game event Nov. 21-22 at the Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center located on the grounds of the stunning Baha Mar resort. First-round action tips off Thursday, Nov. 21 when St. John’s battles Baylor beginning at 7 p.m. ET followed by Tennessee taking on Virginia at 9:30 p.m. The consolation game Friday, Nov. 22 begins at 7 p.m. followed by the championship game at 9:30 p.m.

The field boasts some of the top head coaches in men’s college basketball. The four mentors –

Hall of Famer Rick Pitino of St. John’s, Baylor’s Scott Drew, Virginia’s Tony Bennett and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes – have accumulated more than 115 years of combined head coaching experience while collecting four NCAA championships and more than 2,500 career victories.

Tennessee, winners of the Southeastern Conference three times in the past seven seasons, posted 27 wins, a league title and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. Barnes enters his 38th season as a head coach in 2024-25 with more than 800 career wins, including 200-plus on Rocky Top.

Baylor registered 24 wins and tied for third in the Big 12 Conference in 2023-24 en route to its ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in the past 10 seasons. Author of one of the most remarkable rebuilding efforts in college basketball, 23rd-year head coach Drew has crafted Baylor into the second winningest program in the league over the past decade, highlighted by the Bears’ 2021 NCAA Championship title run.

St. John’s narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24 but claimed 20 wins and finished fifth in the Big East in Pitino’s first season leading the Red Storm. Now in his 37th season as a head coach, Pitino owns a pair of national titles (1996 at Kentucky; 2013 at Louisville), ranks as one of the winningest active coaches in the nation with 854 career victories at the college level, and has reinvigorated one of the sport’s winningest and most historic programs.

Virginia earned its school-record 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance after posting 23 wins and a third-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season. Four-time ACC Coach of the Year Tony Bennett, who guided the Cavaliers to the 2019 NCAA Championship, produces some of the top defensive squads in the nation every year.

Past winners of the Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship include Louisville (2021), UCF (2022) and Miami (2023).

LIMITED NUMBER OF VIP PACKAGES AND TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE

A limited number of VIP packages and general admission tickets for all games of the Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship remain on sale online at www.bahamarhoops.com. VIP package amenities include a minimum three-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, two premium tickets to all games of the event, two tickets to the tournament’s VIP reception (Nov. 20) with dinner and open bar included, round-trip ground transportation from the airport and resort, two daily breakfast vouchers, welcome gifts and personal concierge service. (Airfare not included in the packages. A passport is required to enter the Bahamas.)

MORE THAN BASKETBALL AWAITS AT THE BEAUTIFUL BAHA MAR RESORT

The remarkable Baha Mar resort serves as the backdrop to this basketball showcase. Anchored by Grand Hyatt and featuring SLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar, the resort is situated on 1,000 acres overlooking Nassau’s famous turquoise ocean waters. The destination resort boasts more than 2,300 rooms, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a $200 million luxury water park, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the Caribbean’s first and only flagship ESPA Spa and a collection of more than 45 restaurants and lounges.

ABOUT BAHA MAR HOOPS

As part of Baha Mar Hoops, the resort annually welcomes 20 NCAA teams for three separate regular-season events each November as well as holds a summer league that offers NCAA teams exhibition games against international competition as part of a foreign tour.

The Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship is one of three events that make up Baha Mar Hoops taking place at the Baha Mar resort during each Thanksgiving holiday. The largest regular-season event in the sport of college basketball, the 2024 gathering for Baha Mar Hoops features 20 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball teams, competing in 24 games over 11 days. The Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship (Nov. 25 and 27) features a pair of four-team bracketed tournaments complete with some the nation’s best programs. The Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) crowns a winner among eight mid-major men’s programs.

BAHA MAR HOOPS SOCIAL TAGS

Keep up to date with the latest information regarding Bah Mar Hoops via social media at @BahaMarHoops on X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok and Snapchat.

Arkansas to battle Illinois in Thanksgiving Day showdown on CBS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Thanksgiving Day men’s college basketball showdown comes to the City of Fountains when Arkansas battles Illinois. The game, emanating from T-Mobile Center on Thursday, Nov. 28, will be broadcast live at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

Arkansas enters the new season with high expectations as Hall of Famer John Calipari takes over in Fayetteville. Calipari, men’s college basketball’s winningest active head coach with 855 victories, has brought his magical touch to the Razorbacks by signing three Top-50 players in the incoming freshmen class and one of the nation’s top transfer classes led by Johnell Davis (led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023) and three former Kentucky standout players in D.J. Wagner, Adou Thiero and Zvonimir Ivišić.

“What a great opportunity CBS is giving Arkansas and Illinois. Thanksgiving is a day that gets all of America – whether you are a sports fan or not – watching sports on TV,” Calipari said. “Playing in this time slot will provide tremendous exposure for both programs. Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center is a premier arena that is located close enough that both fan bases can attend. We have a great deal of respect for Coach Underwood and his Illinois program, and we know this game will be one the whole nation will be interested in seeing.”

Illinois is experiencing a similar reloading of its roster after last season’s run to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. The Fighting Illini added Kylan Boswell (Arizona), Tre White (Louisville) and Carey Booth (Notre Dame) from the transfer portal and a freshman class that is headlined by two Top-30 players in Will Riley and Morez Johnson. The Illini’s freshman class also includes 7-1 Tomislav Ivišić, brother to Arkansas’ Zvonimir Ivišić.

“We are thrilled for this opportunity. Playing in Kansas City – a tremendous basketball city that is near and dear to me – and taking on a great opponent in Arkansas, led by a Hall of Fame Coach in Coach Calipari, is a big test for our team,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “It is an honor for Illinois Basketball to play on CBS on Thanksgiving Day; we know the sports world will be watching.”

Tickets for the game go on public sale on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. CT at AXS.com and on the AXS app. Complete event information can be found at www.thanksgivinghoopsshowcase.com and on social media at @bdGlobalSports.com.

DePaul Classic MTE announced with Eastern Illinois, NIU & Valpo joining the Blue Demons

CHICAGO – DePaul men’s basketball has officially announced its 2024-25 non-conference schedule for head coach Chris Holtmann’s debut season at the helm of the program. The non-conference slate features three games against 2023 NCAA Tournament teams, including two in Northwestern and Duquesne who advanced past the first round. Conference games in addition to television designations and tip times will be announced at a later date.

DePaul enters the 2024-25 season with a fresh look including the arrival of Holtmann and six new members of the coaching staff. The Blue Demons brought in 13 new players in the offseason, one of six programs nationwide to not return any minutes from the previous year.

Baha Mar partners with ESPN for destination fantasy football draft

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – Baha Mar, the Bahamas’ leading luxury resort today announced it is collaborating with ESPN Fantasy Football, the No. 1 most popular fantasy football platform, to host the first ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend at Baha Mar next month. Taking place from Aug. 22-25, the Ultimate Draft Weekend will feature an array of curated luxury experiences geared toward the fantasy football enthusiast, including draft insights and analysis from ESPN Fantasy Football experts and a buzzworthy Draft Day.

“We’re thrilled to work with ESPN Fantasy Football to host the inaugural ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend at Baha Mar this August,” says Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. “ESPN Fantasy Football is the most popular game in the world of fantasy sports and, like Baha Mar, loves to bring people together for amazing, world-class fan experiences. We look forward to welcoming the different leagues to our fabulous resort and putting forth spectacular experiences for them to enjoy during our upcoming draft weekend.”

The event will feature ESPN Fantasy Football experts Field Yates, Stephania Bell, Mike Clay, and Daniel Dopp. Participants at Baha Mar will be able to mix and mingle with ESPN’s experts throughout the weekend, participate in a Q&A session, and receive detailed draft analysis from them leading up to the Live Draft on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 24.

“Every year, Fantasy Football leagues around the world gather with their friends and family to kick off the season,” says Alexander Healy-Lucciola, Senior Director of Marketing, Fantasy and Sports Betting at ESPN. “The draft is one of the best days of the year, bringing everyone together to choose their teams and play out league traditions. Partnering with Baha Mar to provide a world-class destination draft highlights the unique ways that ESPN continues to provide fans with the best possible Fantasy experience.”

As part of Pre-Draft activities, on Friday, Aug. 23, leagues will have the opportunity to participate in a competitive “Draft Combine” to determine their league’s draft order, including beach races, a football skills competition, slide races, and more. Other options for participants to choose from include a day of golf at Baha Mar’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Royal Blue golf course, miniature golf at Mini Blue, a basketball combine, a blackjack tournament, and a day of leisure by the pool or the resort’s Cable Beach. The evening will conclude with a Draft Prep Cocktail Reception featuring ESPN Fantasy Football experts breaking down draft strategies for the 2024-25 season.

On Saturday, Aug. 24 all leagues will get ready for Draft Day with a final draft prep session, the “2-Minute Drill,” prior to the 4 p.m. Live Draft. All leagues will gather in the Baha Mar Convention Grand Ballroom to make their final picks. The weekend will close with a Draft Celebration Party at Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House.

The event will be managed by bdG Sports, which brings more than 20 NCAA Division I basketball teams to Baha Mar each November for Baha Mar Hoops as well as owns and operates two Korn Ferry Tour professional golf tournaments in The Bahamas each January, the Great Exuma Classic and the Great Abaco Classic. The full calendar of events include:

Thursday, August 22

  • Arrivals
  • 7-9 p.m. – Welcome Reception

Friday, August 23

  • 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Draft Order Activities to include Beach Combine, Football Skills Camp, Basketball Combine, or Royal Blue Golf, etc.
  • 5-6:30 p.m. – Draft Prep Cocktail Reception

Saturday, August 24

  • 3 p.m. – “2-Minute Drill” final pre-draft prep session
  • 4-7 pm: ESPN Ultimate Draft live in the Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center’s Grand Ballroom
  • 7-9 pm: Draft Celebration Party at Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House

Sunday, August 25

  • Departures

Weekend packages for the event are now on sale at https://bahamar.com/draft/ and start at $1,750, with additional room nights available for an additional cost. Participants can room with other league members or have the option to bring an additional guest(s) that aren’t participating in the Draft.

Cincinnati-Dayton series continues with Hoops Classic presented by CareSource rematch

CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati-Dayton series continues during the upcoming 2024-25 men’s basketball season when the two longtime rivals clash at the Hoops Classic presented by CareSource on Dec. 20 at Heritage Bank Center in downtown Cincinnati. The contest was announced Monday by veteran event promoter, bdG Sports.

Tip time and television information will be announced later.

The Flyers claimed an 82-68 victory over the Bearcats last season when the two schools met at Heritage Bank Center on Dec. 16, 2023. The matchup marked the first meeting between the two schools since 2010.

Cincinnati brings back four starters from its 2023-24 unit that registered a 22-15 record during its first season in the Big 12 Conference. The Bearcats advanced to the quarterfinals of the NIT.

Dayton returns three starters from last year’s squad that posted a 25-8 overall mark and finished third in the Atlantic 10 Conference standings. The Flyers earned a No. 7 seed in NCAA tournament, advancing to the second round.

Cincinnati and Dayton have met 92 times in series history with the Bearcats holding a 60-32 advantage. The rivalry is the third longest in program history for both schools. Cincinnati has played only Miami (Ohio) [149 games] and Louisville [99] more times while Dayton has faced only Xavier [159] and Miami (Ohio) [132] more often.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets go on sale starting Thursday, July 18 at 10 a.m., at HeritageBankCenter.com, Ticketmaster.com or through the Ticketmaster app.

Like last season’s contest, the atmosphere inside Heritage Bank Center should be electric with the two fan bases seated in separate halves of the arena. In the lower bowl, sections 112-128 will be designated for Cincinnati fans while sections 108-132 will be earmarked for Dayton fans. Sections 110 and 130 at midcourt will each be divided among the schools as well. The upper bowl will be divided in a similar fashion.

BBN Invitational MTE announced as part of Kentucky’s 2024-25 non-conference schedule

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky men’s basketball team has set its 2024-25 nonconference schedule, head coach Mark Pope announced Wednesday. The 13-game nonconference schedule includes nine home contests in Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, an away tilt at Clemson and three neutral-site matchups.

The Southeastern Conference slate, along with television networks and game times will be announced at a later date.

Rhode Island to join Louisville, Calgary, UVic and The Bahamas at Baha Mar Hoops Summer League

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Rhode Island men’s basketball is bound for the Bahamas this August.

The Rams will participate in the 2024 Baha Mar Hoops Summer League, Aug. 4-9, in Nassau, Bahamas. The six-day foreign tour features a trio of games played against international competition at the Baha Mar Convention, Arts and Entertainment Center onsite at the stunning Baha Mar resort.

International opponents include teams from the University of Calgary (Canada), the University of Victoria (Canada) and the Bahamas. The full Baha Mar Hoops Summer League schedule, including previously announced Louisville men’s basketball, is as follows:

  • Tuesday, July 30 – Louisville vs. Bahamas, 7 p.m. ET
  • Thursday, Aug. 1 – Louisville vs. Calgary, Noon ET
  • Monday, Aug. 5 – Rhode Island vs. University of Calgary, 6 p.m. ET
  • Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Rhode Island vs. University of Victoria, 6 p.m. ET
  • Thursday, Aug. 8 – Rhode Island vs. Bahamas, 6 p.m. ET

“The opportunity to bring our program to a destination site like the Baha Mar resort and the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League is exciting,” Rhode Island head coach Archie Miller said. “Any chance to give your team live game action against any opponent helps build team chemistry, especially where we are blending a returning nucleus with several newcomers. Trips like this are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that give the team members lasting memories.”

In its third season under Miller, Rhode Island returns six players, including the top two scorers from last season, David Green (14.3 points/game) and Jaden House (14.1 points/game). Rising sophomores David Fuchs (7.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game) and Cam Estevez (7.1 points/game) are foundational pieces who impressed in their first season a year ago. The Rams also brought in five transfers, four of which come from Power 5 programs. Jamarques Lawrence (Nebraska), Sebastian Thomas (UAlbany), Quentin Diboundje (Tennessee/East Carolina), Javonte Brown (Texas A&M/Western Michigan) and Drissa Traore (St. John’s) all figure to make an immediate impact.

NCAA rules allow for a foreign tour by an intercollegiate team once every four academic years. The Baha Mar Hoops Summer League is managed by bdG Sports, a Lexington-based event marketing firm which annually operates two dozen collegiate men’s and women’s basketball games at Baha Mar each November.

“Baha Mar is without question the hottest resort in the world with so many entertainment options onsite,” President and CEO of bdG Sports Brooks Downing said. “It should make for a memorable experience for Rhode Island and its fans.”

FAN PACKAGES ON SALE NOW

The trip serves as the first up-close opportunity to catch the Rams in action as Rhode Island gears up for the coming 2024-25 campaign. Fans interested in attending the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League can request additional details on fan packages by emailing [email protected]. Packages include accommodations at the Baha Mar resort, welcome reception tickets, game tickets, breakfast vouchers and other amenities. Game tickets are on sale now at www.bahamarhoops.com.

 MORE THAN BASKETBALL AWAITS AT THE BEAUTIFUL BAHA MAR RESORT

The remarkable Baha Mar resort serves as the backdrop to this basketball showcase. Anchored by Grand Hyatt and featuring SLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar, the resort is situated on 1,000 acres overlooking Nassau’s famous turquoise ocean waters. The destination resort boasts more than 2,300 rooms, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a $200 million luxury water park, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the Caribbean’s first and only flagship ESPA Spa and a collection of more than 45 restaurants and lounges.

 ABOUT BAHA MAR HOOPS

As part of Baha Mar Hoops, the resort welcomes 20 NCAA men’s and women’s teams for a three-tournament, regular-season event each November as well as holds a summer league that includes exhibition games against international competition as part of a foreign tour. The resort has welcomed Kentucky, Xavier and Penn State for summer exhibition tours in recent years.

BAHA MAR HOOPS SOCIAL TAGS

Keep up to date with the latest information regarding Bah Mar Hoops via social media at @BahaMarHoops on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Louisville Men’s Basketball announced for 2024 Baha Mar Hoops Summer League

NASSAU, The Bahamas – University of Louisville men’s basketball fans can gain their first look at Pat Kelsey’s 2024-25 Cardinals squad when it plays a pair of exhibition games against international competition as part of the 2024 Baha Mar Hoops Summer League, July 28-Aug. 2, in Nassau, Bahamas.

The six-day trip features two exhibition games – Tuesday, July 30 and Thursday, Aug. 1 – played at the Baha Mar Convention, Arts and Entertainment Center onsite at the stunning Baha Mar resort. Game times and opponents will be announced later.

“I’m excited for our team to participate in the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League in just a few weeks,” Kelsey said. “We’ve brought so many new pieces to our program and the practice and playing time this trip will allow us is invaluable to our team. It will be a vital time for us on the court, but it will also give us plenty of opportunities to gel off the court as well. I hope by taking this trip, we have a real advantage when it comes time to start practicing in the fall.”

Kelsey, who was named to lead Louisville’s storied program in March, comes to The Ville after 12 seasons as a collegiate head coach, including his last three at the College of Charleston and the previous nine at Winthrop. He boasts an impressive 261-122 record (68.1%) across his head coaching career with 11 total conference championships and four NCAA Tournament bids.

Kelsey and his staff are off to a great start having crafted a roster for the 2024-25 season that includes one of the best transfer portal classes in the country. The transfer class has made 13 NCAA appearances over their individual careers. Four incoming transfers have scored at least 1,000 career points and six have played over 2,000 career minutes. The group also holds a Division I winning percentage of .625 over their careers.

NCAA rules allow for a foreign tour by an intercollegiate team once every four academic years. The Baha Mar Hoops Summer League is managed by bdG Sports, a Lexington-based event marketing firm which annually operates two dozen collegiate men’s and women’s basketball games at Baha Mar each November.

“Baha Mar is without question the hottest resort in the world with so many entertainment options onsite,” President and CEO of bdG Sports Brooks Downing said. “It will be an incredible host for the Cardinals and their amazing fan base.”

FAN PACKAGES ON SALE NOW

The trip serves as the first up-close opportunity to catch the Cardinals in action as the Kelsey coaching era begins. Louisville fans interested in attending the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League can request additional details on fan packages by emailing [email protected]. Packages include accommodations at the Baha Mar resort, welcome reception tickets, game tickets, breakfast vouchers and other amenities. Game tickets will be available for purchase in advance at www.bahamarhoops.com beginning Tuesday, June 25 or at the door on game dates.

MORE THAN BASKETBALL AWAITS AT THE BEAUTIFUL BAHA MAR RESORT

The remarkable Baha Mar resort serves as the backdrop to this basketball showcase. Anchored by Grand Hyatt and featuring SLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar, the resort is situated on 1,000 acres overlooking Nassau’s famous turquoise ocean waters. The destination resort boasts more than 2,300 rooms, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a $200 million luxury water park, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the Caribbean’s first and only flagship ESPA Spa and a collection of more than 45 restaurants and lounges.

ABOUT BAHA MAR HOOPS

As part of Baha Mar Hoops, the resort welcomes 20 NCAA men’s and women’s teams for a three-tournament, regular-season event each November as well as holds a summer league that includes exhibition games against international competition as part of a foreign tour. The resort has welcomed Kentucky, Xavier and Penn State for summer exhibition tours in recent years.

BAHA MAR HOOPS SOCIAL TAGS

Keep up to date with the latest information regarding Bah Mar Hoops via social media at @BahaMarHoops on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

34 college basketball teams that participated in bdG events advance to postseason play for 2023-24

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A total of 34 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball programs that participated in bdG Sports-produced events during the 2023-24 regular season, have advanced to postseason play. Twenty men’s and women’s squads punched their tickets to the NCAA Tournament.

bdG Sports, a leader in turn-key event management with a primary focus in basketball and professional golf, is one of the industry leaders in college basketball games produced annually. From summer exhibition tours to multiple high-profile neutral-site games and in-season tournaments – such as the Continental Tire Main Event at T-Mobile Arena, Gulf Coast Showcase in Fort Myers, Florida, and more than 20 teams participating in three Baha Mar Hoops events in Nassau, Bahamas – bdG contracted nearly 150 regular-season men’s and women’s Division I basketball games during the 2023-24 campaign. bdG Sports is proud to also be the only third-party operator which manages a conference tournament, assisting The Big West Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championships each March in Henderson, Nevada.

Men’s basketball teams that took part in events owned or operated by bdG Sports and have advanced to postseason play include NCAA Tournament participants Arizona, Baylor, Dayton, FAU, Illinois, Kentucky, Long Beach State, Michigan State, New Mexico, Saint Mary’s and San Diego State and NIT participants UC Irvine, Cincinnati, Georgia, Indiana State, Kansas State, Providence and Xavier.

Women’s basketball teams that took part in events owned or managed by bdG Sports and have advanced to postseason play include NCAA Tournament participants Columbia, FGCU, Florida State, Iowa, Kansas State North Carolina, Ohio State, USC and Stanford. Belmont, Florida, and Penn State will play in the WBIT while Cal Poly, UC Riverside, Purdue and Vermont will take part in the WNIT.