Purple Reign vs JHX Hoops: TBT 2026 Opener

Game Details

The 2026 edition of The Basketball Tournament kicks off on Tuesday, July 21, when Purple Reign faces JHX Hoops at 8 p.m. CT inside Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas. The matchup opens a best‑of‑three first‑round series for both sides and marks the second time the historic K‑State versus Kansas alumni clash has occurred in the tournament. Fans can catch the action on FS1 or stream it on Fubo.

Star Power on Display

Michael Beasley headlines Purple Reign, giving fans a reason to remember his time with the Wildcats. Beasley played one season at Kansas State (2007‑08) before becoming the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, and he returns to Bramlage Coliseum as a featured name. Kansas counters with Frank Mason III, a 2013‑17 Kansas guard who adds Big 12 experience to JHX Hoops.

Tournament Overview

The Basketball Tournament carries a $2 million prize pool that will be split among the competing teams, and this year features 14 squads divided into alumni and non‑alumni brackets. The event is now in its 13th year, providing a summer showcase of veteran talent and promising newcomers. The format of eight alumni teams versus six non‑alumni squads intensifies each contest, especially in a rivalry series.

Roster Highlights

• Purple Reign – Michael Beasley (2007‑08 KSU), Tyonte Robertson (Panola College), Brandon Childress (Wake Forest)
• JHX Hoops – Frank Mason III (2013‑17 Kansas), Darnell Jackson (2004‑08 Kansas), Carlton Bragg Jr. (2015‑17 Kansas), DJ Burns (Youngstown State)

The source also notes that new Kansas State coach Casey Alexander has added incoming freshmen Devin Hutcherson and Jaylen Alexander, while a full staff of assistants and a general manager, Sean Rutigliano, shape the program’s rebuilding phase. These personnel moves provide context for the talent levels seen in the tournament.

Previous Showdown

Purple Reign and JHX Hoops last met in Kansas City during the previous tournament, where the alumni side edged out a 59‑57 victory after a tightly contested game. That result set the tone for a budding rivalry within the alumni competition. The history of this series adds extra motivation for both rosters heading into July.

Where to Watch

Domestic viewers can tune into FS1 for live coverage of the opener, while fans without cable can stream the game on Fubo. The platform offers flexibility for watching on mobile or tablet devices. Setting a reminder before the 8 p.m. tip‑off ensures you don’t miss the opening highlight.

Purple Reign vs JHX Hoops time today

• Where: Bramlage Coliseum; Manhattan, Kansas

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Purple Reign and JHX Hoops will play in TBT at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, from Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas.

What channel is Purple Reign vs JHX Hoops on today?

The Kansas State and Kansas alumni teams will play on FS1 and via stream on Fubo in the first round of The Basketball Tournament.

Purple Reign vs JHX Hoops schedule

• Tuesday, July 21 — 8 p.m. CT at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan

• Wednesday, July 22 — 7 p.m. CT at Lee Arena in Topeka

• Friday, July 24 — 8 p.m. CT at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan (if necessary)

Purple Reign 2026 roster

• Michael Beasley (2007-08)

• Tyonte Robertson (Panola College)

• Brandon Childress (Wake Forest)

JHX Hoops 2026 roster

• Frank Mason III (2013-17)

• Darnell Jackson (2004-08)

• Carlton Bragg Jr. (2015-17)

• DJ Burns (Youngstown State)

Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Purple Reign vs JHX Hoops in TBT live updates: Start time, TV channel