A new multi‑conference agreement is set to reshape the opening weeks of the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 women’s basketball seasons. The partnership brings together the Missouri Valley Conference, the American Conference, the Atlantic 10 and the Ivy League in a coordinated scheduling alliance that emphasizes early‑season competition and national visibility.
A tournament‑style showcase
Each fall, the alliance will host a weekend tournament on November 6 and November 8, 2026, at two host sites: Richmond, Virginia, and Nashville, Tennessee. The event will feature the top‑ranked squads from each league, with every participating team playing two games over the opening weekend.
The format is designed to give each program a high‑profile start to the season, offering resume‑building victories and the chance to test against elite competition before conference play begins. Fans can anticipate marquee matchups that promise excitement and narrative storylines from the outset.
The four leagues have each earned multiple NCAA Tournament bids in the past five years and repeatedly finished within the top‑10 of the conference NET rankings. This recent success underscores the depth of talent and the competitive strength of the participating programs.
MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson highlighted the collaboration as a reflection of innovation and shared commitment to advancing women’s basketball. "Our goal is to provide outstanding opportunities for student‑athletes and enhance the competitive profile of the programs," he said, emphasizing the partnership’s focus on growth and excellence.
Beyond the on‑court action, the alliance aims to increase early‑season national exposure and media interest, giving fans a reason to follow the sport from the first weekend. By creating more compelling non‑conference opportunities, the partnership supports the continued growth of women’s college basketball and reinforces the conferences’ collective ambition.