It will be closely watched by not just the NCAA, but the entire college basketball world. Because the format, and importantly the financial benefits, could become the norm in this new era if it goes off without a hitch. If it doesn't, it will be an anomaly in a strange time for college basketball.

Catch every game of this Thanksgiving-week tournament featuring top teams like Houston and Creighton live from Vegas. Find out where to watch on TV and stream.

The best time of the year in the regular season for college basketball is the week of Thanksgiving, nicknamed feast week, where the best of the best congregate in multi-team events, or MTEs, out in sunny localities like Maui,