The University of West Florida announced its first Division I conference slate for the 2026‑27 season, revealing a balanced slate of seven home and seven away contests in the Atlantic Sun Conference for both its men’s and women’s basketball programs.
A New Era for Division I Basketball at UWF
While the schedules mark a historic step for the program, the teams will also navigate a three‑year waiting period before they become eligible for the NCAA Tournament, though they remain eligible for the ASUN tournament.
Mike Smith, the newly appointed head coach of the men’s squad, brings a fresh perspective after a stint at Appalachian State, where he helped guide the team to a Gulf South Conference championship the previous year.
Stephanie Yelton, who has led the women’s team to an 18‑12 record last season, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming schedule and the chance to forge new rivalries within the conference.
The men’s tournament will be held March 4‑7 in Fort Myers, while the women’s tournament runs March 4‑8 in Jacksonville, providing a concentrated stage for the teams to showcase their talents.
Both programs enter the season with momentum: the men finished a decade‑long best campaign at 25‑9 and captured the Gulf South Conference title, whereas the women posted an 18‑12 record and fell in the first round of the conference tournament.
Coach Tanner Smith said he is eager to spread the University of West Florida brand across the region, emphasizing that each game is an opportunity to build lasting rivalries and elevate the university’s profile.