Tickets available here; NBPA Foundation to donate $50,000 to winning teams 

Tournament to take place March 19-21 at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey; All games to air on NBA TV and the NBA App 

NEW YORK (Feb. 26, 2026) -  The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and Gold Level Sports and Entertainment (GLSE) today announced the eight boys’ and girls’ teams and matchups for The Throne, a single-elimination bracket-style tournament for the best high school basketball teams in the country, from March 19-21 at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

The NBPA Foundation will donate $50,000 total that will be split between the championship winning boys’ and girls’ team to support their respective athletic programs.  

The team rosters consist exclusively of students from the same high school, with teams competing under their respective club names. This year’s tournament will feature several NBPA Top 100 Camp alumni: Julius Avent (BC Crusaders), Cayden Daughtry (Eagles), Bryson Howard (Coyotes), Dylan Mingo (LuHi), Collin Paul (Eagles), and Tyran Stokes (Beach). Additionally, a number of nationally ranked players as well as two boys and two girls selected for the 2026 McDonald’s All-American Games will be participating. 

2026 Participating Teams 

Day one game schedule: March 19 

• Girls bracket 
  • Game 1 (10:00 a.m.): (2) Cavaliers vs. (7) Phoenix  
  • Game 2 (11:40 a.m.): (3) LuHi vs. (6) Cadets 
  • Game 3 (1:20 p.m.): (1) Eagles vs. (8) Panthers  
  • Game 4 (3:00 p.m.): (4) Lancers vs. (5) Timberwolves  

• Boys bracket: 

  • Game 5 (4:40 p.m.): (1) Eagles vs. (8) Coyotes 

  • Game 6 (6:20 p.m.): (4) Wildcats vs. (5) LuHi  

  • Game 7 (8:00 p.m.): (3) Beach vs. (6) BC Crusaders 

  • Game 8: (9:40 p.m.): (2) Vikings vs. (7) Los Explorers

Day two game schedule: March 20 

• Girls bracket 

  • Game 9 (3:00 p.m.): Winner Game 1 vs. Game 2 

  • Game 10 (5:00 p.m.): Winner Game 3 vs. Game 4 

• Boys bracket 

  • Game 11: (7:00 p.m.): Winner Game 7 vs. Game 8 

  • Game 12 (9:00 p.m.): Winner Game 5 vs. Game 6

Day three game schedule: March 21 

• Girls bracket 
  • Game 13 (1:00 p.m.): Girls Championship 
• Boys bracket 
  • Game 14 (3:00 p.m.): Boys Championship

*Participating teams and game times are subject to change* 

The Throne was launched in 2023 by the NBPA and under the guidance of GLSE’s advisory board, which consists of several current and former NBA players including Harrison Barnes, Rudy Gay, Danny Green, Dwight Howard and NBPA President, Fred VanVleet.  The tournament features both elite competition and essential life-skills training in areas such as mental health and financial literacy, among others, to prepare the athletes for success on and off the court. 

All games from The Throne will air on NBA TV and the NBA App. For the latest updates on the broadcast schedule, tickets, and more, follow along on @thethronehoops or visit thethronehoops.com.  

The Throne is supported by NBPA sponsors and partners, including JPMorganChase, Hospital for Special Surgery, NBA 2K, Foot Locker, Plezi Hydration, Shirts & Skins Basketball, SportProsUSA, and the WNBPA.

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About the NBPA  

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and advance the rights of our players. They are the game. 

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, counseling players on benefits, and educating on post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the group licensing and partnership engine of the NBPA. With more than 80 active partnerships, THINK450 is dedicated to uncovering shared interests between players and leading brands to build more engaging collaborations. 

The NBPA Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members by supporting and assisting people, communities and organizations worldwide. It spotlights and amplifies the global initiatives of professional basketball players, driving positive change through community building, charitable endeavors and social entrepreneurship. For more information, visit www.nbpa.com and follow @thenbpa on social.  

About Gold Level Sports and Entertainment   

Gold Level Sports and Entertainment (GLSE) is a premier event and entertainment company committed to delivering transformative, youth-focused experiences. Specializing in high-profile sports events, GLSE partners with leading organizations to create impactful platforms that merge competition, education, and community development. For more information, visit www.goldlevelse.com and follow @goldlevelse on social media.