MGM Resorts named official partner of the College Basketball Crown

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The College Basketball Crown announced MGM Resorts International, a global hospitality and entertainment leader, as an Official Partner of the highly anticipated post-season tournament. The partnership, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, positions MGM Resorts and its multiple properties at the heart of one of college basketball’s most exciting new events, set to take place in Las Vegas next month.

Launched by FOX Sports and AEG, the College Basketball Crown is a premiere post-season college basketball tournament featuring 16 elite teams from conferences including the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East, along with additional at-large participants. The tournament will take place 31 March to 6 April 2025, in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena and MGM Grand Garden Arena, showcasing MGM Resorts’ best-in-class venues and commitment to delivering premier sports experiences to sports fans worldwide. Additionally, the tournament will air on FOX and FS1, bringing the excitement of college basketball to millions of fans.

MGM Resorts will accommodate participating teams across its portfolio of Las Vegas properties including ARIA Resort & Casino, Park MGM and Vdara Hotel & Spa, providing athletes with unmatched comfort, convenience and access to state-of-the-art amenities. Fans attending the tournament will also benefit. As part of the agreement, MGM Resorts will collaborate with Vivid Seats, the tournament’s Official Ticketing Provider and JSX, its Official Air Carrier, to offer fans exclusive travel-and-ticket packages combining, stays at MGM Resorts destinations with premium seating and VIP experiences.

“MGM Resorts’ global reputation for excellence in hospitality and entertainment makes them the perfect partner for the College Basketball Crown,” said Nick Baker, COO of AEG Global Partnerships. “Their iconic venues and unmatched service will elevate the athlete and fan experience, ensuring the tournament is as memorable off the court as it is on it.”

The College Basketball Crown will bring together a unique combination of elite competition and enhanced fan experiences, which MGM Resorts is set to add to through this partnership. In addition to hosting participating teams, the company will receive prominent in-game visibility, including courtside signage, video board features, custom digital content, and national media exposure on FOX Sports channels televising the event, underscoring its role as a key partner in the event.

“With student-athletes competing at MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena, it is a natural fit for our teams to stay at the stunning MGM Resorts properties,” said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports, and board member of the College Basketball Crown. “The College Basketball Crown will provide student-athletes with an elite on-site experience, while showcasing top-tier college hoops to millions watching at home on FOX and FS1.”