Media

1. Accreditation and Access

• Media Credentials: All media personnel must apply for credentials by November 18, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. CST. Due to venue capacity, safety considerations and high demand, submitting an application does not guarantee approval or a specific credential level.

• All-Access Media Pass: All-Access credentials are prioritized for accredited news organizations and established media outlets providing regular sports or news coverage. This credential provides access to designated media areas throughout tournament venues, including courtside areas, under-basket photography areas and media hospitality rooms. Access remains subject to venue-specific restrictions and direction from tournament staff.

• General Media Pass: General Media credentials are intended primarily for student media, independent media and contracted/freelance media. This credential provides complimentary admission to the tournament and access to approved general media areas. For safety and space considerations, General Media credential holders may not access under-basket areas or media hospitality rooms.

• General Media Availability: Due to overwhelming interest and limited venue capacity, the tournament will issue a maximum of 20 General Media passes. Applications will be reviewed based on available space, coverage needs and the information provided during the credentialing process.

• Unapproved Media: Individuals who are not approved for a media credential are still welcome to cover the tournament by purchasing a general admission ticket. Ticketed media may photograph, record and report from areas open to general spectators but may not enter credentialed media areas.

• Credential Display: Media credentials must be visible while covering the tournament and presented upon request by tournament, venue or security personnel.

• Credential Access: Credentials are issued to the approved individual, are nontransferable and provide access only to the areas authorized by the credential type. Tournament staff may restrict access when necessary for player safety, game operations, venue capacity or security.

• Locker Rooms: Access to team locker rooms is strictly prohibited for all media.

2. Media Center and Facilities

• Media Center: The tournament Media Center is located at 2909 Dabney Dr., Pasadena, TX 77502 and serves as the primary location for media credential pickup and tournament media assistance.

• Hospitality Areas: Each gym will have a designated media hospitality area with workspace, meals, refreshments and snacks available throughout the day. Hospitality areas are reserved for All-Access Media credential holders.

3. Photography and Videography

• Photographer Positions: Photographers must remain within the areas authorized by their credential and follow instructions from tournament and venue personnel.

• Under-Basket Access: Under-basket photography areas are reserved for All-Access Media credential holders. General Media credential holders may not enter these areas due to safety and space limitations.

• Standing Room: Under-basket media areas are standing room only. Chairs are not permitted.

• Flash Photography: Flash photography is not permitted during gameplay.

• Video Recording: Credentialed media may record game footage from areas authorized by their credential.

• Live Streaming: Live streaming, live video broadcasts or similar real-time transmission of tournament games is prohibited unless specifically authorized by tournament organizers.

• Equipment: Cameras, tripods, monopods and other equipment must remain within approved areas and may not interfere with gameplay, walkways, spectators, players, officials or emergency access.

4. Conduct and Etiquette

• Professional Conduct: All credentialed media are expected to conduct themselves professionally while covering the tournament. Disruptive, unsafe or inappropriate behavior may result in the revocation of media credentials.

• Respect for Participants: Media must respect the privacy and personal space of student-athletes, coaches, officials and tournament personnel.

• Game Operations: Media may not interfere with gameplay, officiating, team operations or tournament operations.

• Tournament and Venue Staff: Credentialed media must follow reasonable instructions provided by tournament officials, venue administrators and security personnel.

5. Distribution of Content

• Social Media: Live updates, photography and tournament coverage are encouraged. When sharing coverage, please use the tournament's official hashtag #[UPDATED HASHTAG] and tag the appropriate Texas Invitational social media accounts:

  • Instagram: @txinvitational
  • Facebook: McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament
  • X: @TXInvitational

• Game Footage: Media credentialing does not grant permission to livestream, rebroadcast or redistribute full games or substantial portions of game broadcasts. Any such use must be specifically authorized by tournament organizers.

6. Media Resources and Usage

• Media Downloads: Logos, graphics, photographs and other materials provided through the tournament's Media Downloads section are intended specifically for use by media and news organizations in connection with coverage of the Texas Invitational.

• Commercial or Private Use: Tournament-provided media resources may not be used for unauthorized commercial, promotional or private purposes.

• Logo Usage: Official tournament logos should not be altered, recolored, distorted, recreated or modified. Media should use the official files provided through the tournament's Media Downloads section.

7. Group Media Accreditation

• Group Registration: Media organizations are encouraged to submit their members together when possible. Individual members may also apply independently when necessary.

• Verification: Credential applications may be reviewed to verify an applicant's affiliation and consistent record of legitimate basketball, sports or news coverage.

• Credential Level: Verification of an applicant does not guarantee an All-Access Media Pass. Tournament organizers will determine the appropriate credential level based on media affiliation, coverage needs, available space and venue capacity.

• Credential Approval: Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Tournament organizers reserve the right to approve, deny or revoke media credentials when necessary to maintain safe and professional tournament operations.

• Individual Credentials: Credentials are issued to the approved individual and may not be transferred or shared with another person.