PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – The Basketball Tournament (TBT), the 64-team, $1 million winner-takes-all event, will occur at the University of Pittsburgh and will host a regional TBT for the first time in 2024.
The Basketball Tournament began in 2010 over a simple text thread, which sparked the idea of an open tournament format, and now, every year, TBT has hosted over 400 games, paid out over $10 million in prizes, and crowned eight champions.
The TBT regional will be headlined by University of Pittsburgh alumni team Zoo Crew, whose roster will feature former Panthers legends Jamel Artis, and Jamarius Burton. After taking a break for a few years, Zoo Crew competed in the TBT West Virginia Regional last year.
CEO/Founder Jon Mager is excited to bring TBT to Pitt, and spoke about how TBT grew over the past ten years, and what he is planning to expand as the event grows. Mager noted how not only does the tournament host a wide basketball game, but TBT has now brought in other sports including soccer, and has also entered the realm of women’s sports, creating an inclusive environment for all athletes.
Prior to serving as CEO/Founder for TBT, Mager was a comedic writer and producer for TV. While his past roles and current are different, Mager always had an interest in working in entertainment and had a passion for basketball, which inspired him to combine the two and create a legendary event for all. Mager is able to use his past experiences in the entertainment industry in developing a wide network and energy for athletes, as well as spectators.
Tickets for the 2024 Pittsburgh Regional will go on sale at a later date, but to be the first to secure tickets, fans can enter TBT’s waitlist at www.thetournament.com/tbt/tickets/. The Regional games will be played at the Petersen Events Center from July 19-24.