Texas A&M men’s basketball was originally set to make a return to the Players Era Festival in 2026. The multi-team event is expanding from its 18-team field in 2025 and struck a deal with ESPN, setting up for its biggest tournament yet.

The Aggies were planning to participate, but they instead pivoted to the Battle 4 Atlantis , where they will be in a smaller field with fewer big names.

Why Texas A&M Chose the Battle 4 Atlantis

Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane, forward Chris McDermott and forward Zach Clemence celebrate with the students after the win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Reed Arena. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Despite head coach Bucky McMillan committing to the Players Era tournament in November, the Aggies decided to go a different way this year for their Thanksgiving week multi-team event (MTE).

Players Era originally planned to expand its field to a 32-team bracket, but it was unable to meet this lofty goal.…