Three thoughts on Notre Dame basketball after Players Era Festival

Las Vegas has turned into a central hub for college basketball during Thanksgiving week, a fact that Notre Dame has recently experienced firsthand.

1. Exposure and Recruiting Boost

Notre Dame’s participation in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas highlights the increasing importance of high-profile events for team exposure. These platforms allow coaches and players to showcase their skills directly to recruits and fans alike, potentially enhancing recruitment prospects.

2. Team Development and Performance

The intense competition faced during the festival provides valuable opportunities for the Notre Dame basketball team to test their abilities early in the season. Facing diverse opponents in a high-stakes setting helps sharpen skills and builds team chemistry.

3. The Growing Prestige of College Basketball in Las Vegas

The emergence of Las Vegas as a college basketball hotspot during Thanksgiving week underscores its expanding role in the sport's landscape. Notre Dame’s involvement emphasizes the trend of major programs gravitating toward this locale for competitive and promotional advantages.

"Las Vegas has now become the epicenter of college basketball during Thanksgiving week."

Notre Dame leverages the Players Era Festival not just for competition but also for strategic visibility and recruitment in the evolving college basketball scene.

USA TODAY — 2025-11-28