LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Basketball Tournament was popular when it debuted in Freedom Hall in 2023.

It grew into a bigger hit when it returned in 2024, generating a record crowd of 13,506 when alums from the universities of Louisville and Kentucky played for a trip to the final four.

Will 2025 be the season the entire arena is packed?

Could be.

On Thursday, TBT organizers confirmed the tournament will return to Louisville for a third season in July.

At this point, former U of L guard Russ Smith is the only confirmed player for TheVille, but the roster is certain to be packed with former Cardinals. Smith’s Mr. And Mrs. Bourbon company will remain a TBT sponsor.

In fact, players from Pat Kelsey’s first U of L team who have completed their eligibility can join the team. A tournament organizers said more than 20 players freshly out of college eligibility competed in 2024.

TheVille’s general manager will be Luke Hancock, the Most Outstanding Player from the Cards’ 2013 NCAA title team. Hancock played for TheVille in 2023 and assisted Reece Gaines last season when the team lost to UK in the fourth round of the single-elimination, 64-team event.

That game, which was won by the University of Kentucky LaFamilia team, set the tournament attendance record. In fact, four of the 10 largest TBT crowds have assembled in Louisville

“We’re excited to be back with TBT,” said The Ville general manager Luke Hancock. “Hoops fans around Louisville have been amazing and support gives us a huge advantage.

“The Ville is going to take things to another level this year and we can’t wait to show the city what we’re working on.”

"Our last game at Freedom Hall featured an attendance of 13,506, which is exactly 13,489 more than were at our first game eleven years ago," said TBT founder and CEO Jon Mugar.

“Freedom Hall and the Louisville fanbase will always hold a special place in our heart. We can’t wait to see The Ville compete in front of their home fans again this summer."

In its 12th season, the TBT is a winner-take-all, $1 million tournament. Most of the teams are formed by alumni of prominent programs across the nation.

The eight-team regional will begin play here in late July. Lexington (Kentucky’s Memorial Coliseum), Syracuse, Wichita, Kansas City and Charleston, W.Va. will also host regionals.

For the first time, TBT will give each host team the opportunity to have home court advantage for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the $1 million championship game. Should two regional hosts face off, the tie breaker will be determined by which host sells 4,000 tickets the fastest.

Tickets will go on sale May 6. Fans can sign up for ticket and team notifications here.

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