SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference and Big South Conference today announced a new two-year basketball scheduling series beginning in 2026-27 that +will feature 18 men's games and 18 women's match-ups played on selected dates each season. Most schools will play one home game and one road game against different opponents, and the contests would be in addition to any current agreement in place between two institutions.
The men's game dates are currently scheduled for Nov. 18 and 21, 2026, and Nov. 17 and 20, 2027, with the women's dates slated for Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 2026, and Nov. 20 and Dec. 1, 2027. Opponent location would not repeat from 2026-27 to 2027-28, although some teams may be matched with the same opponent from one year to the next. All matchups and game dates will be determined by mutual agreement of both Commissioners.
"Our athletic directors and basketball coaches continue to be proactive in addressing one of college basketball's most persistent challenges – Division I non-conference scheduling. This alliance with the Big South reflects a shared commitment to providing our student-athletes with competitive geographically aligned scheduling opportunities that strengthen our programs and give fans the quality matchups they seek," said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. "By partnering with the Big South, we're taking a proactive approach to solving scheduling problems while creating games that will generate excitement across both leagues. This is exactly the kind of collaborative solution basketball needs and we're looking forward to a long-standing partnership."
"This scheduling alliance underscores our continued commitment to strengthening basketball in the Big South Conference," said Big South Commissioner Sherika A.Montgomery. "Our basketball coaches and directors of athletics were united in the need for an intentional scheduling approach -- one that balances competitive excellence with regional relevance. The partnership with the Southern Conference enhances competitive opportunities, preserves regional rivalries, and delivers quality home games that strengthen the Big South's basketball profile while enriching the experience for student-athletes and fans alike. This forward-looking initiative represents a strategic approach to scheduling and positions both conferences to further elevate their basketball profiles and competitive impact."
For the men's annual series, opponents will not be determined until after the transfer portal closes but no later than May 31. The leagues will utilize predictive analytics to determine the best matchups. Projected NET rankings will be the primary factor in scheduling games. Whenever possible, secondary consideration will be given to geographic proximity.
For the women's series, opponents will be determined no later than April 1. Geographic proximity and NET rankings will be considered to create competitive matchups.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE (www.SoConSports.com)
The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes ten member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College. Tennessee Tech University will join the SoCon as a full member for the 2026-27 season.
WHAT'S THE BIG SOUTH? (www.BigSouthSports.com)
For more than 40 years, the Big South Conference has been an exemplary leader in college athletics since its founding in 1983, dedicated to developing student-athletes through the pursuit of excellence in the classroom, community and field of play. The league's growing presence as an NCAA Division I athletic conference is made evident by its multitude of athletic accomplishments, innovative marketing and media partnerships, increased television packages and most importantly, its commitment to fostering the academic, personal, social, athletic and leadership development of its student-athletes. Comprised of nine full member institutions sharing a common geographic region and similar academic values and purposes, the Big South's remarkable history of achievement is characterized by the league's 19 championship sports and the profound academic and life successes of its more than 3,200 student-athletes. This has evolved into the conference's "Where Winners Are Made" mantra as part of a strategic emphasis through its Core Values of Academic Centrality; Athletic Excellence; Sportsmanship & Fair Play; and Student-Athlete Welfare. For more information, visit www.BigSouthSports.com.
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