The Mid‑American Conference and the Sun Belt Conference are set to resume their collaborative basketball experiment for a fourth season, with the first round of games slated for November 2.
A Milestone Partnership
Twelve Sun Belt men’s programs will open their doors to MAC opponents, while twelve women’s teams from the MAC will welcome Sun Belt rivals on their home courts. Each contest will be streamed live on an ESPN platform, bringing the alliance to a broader audience.
The partnership, initially forged during the 2023‑24 season, has now been secured for another two years, extending through the 2028‑29 campaign. Scheduling support is being provided by Ordinal Sports Group, which uses NET data, geography and historic contest frequency to shape the matchups.
Historically, the Sun Belt men’s side has held a perfect record in the Challenge, capturing titles in 2023‑24 and 2025‑26, with a shared championship in 2024‑25. The women’s division, by contrast, has seen a more balanced contest, with the Sun Belt winning the inaugural crown in 2023‑24, the MAC reclaiming it in 2024‑25, and the two sides tying last season.
Looking Ahead
The second round of pairings will be announced in January, setting the stage for February showdowns that promise further drama. Fans can expect the same high‑energy atmosphere that has defined the alliance since its inception.