The United Athletic Conference (UAC) has released its full men's and women's basketball schedule for the 2026‑27 season, a slate that will feature a fresh face in the league and a tightly packed conference calendar.
UNA’s Inaugural Season in the UAC
For the first time, the University of North Alabama (UNA) will join eight other institutions in the UAC, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the program. The Lions will open their conference schedule on the road against West Georgia on January 6, 2027, before returning home for their first conference home opener against Austin Peay on January 9.
The conference has structured the season around a 16‑game schedule, designed to give each team a balanced mix of home and away contests. The full slate includes matchups against familiar rivals and new opponents, setting the stage for a competitive year.
Conference Lineup and Championship Outlook
The UAC will feature a diverse set of members, including Abilene Christian, Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Little Rock, Tarleton State, UT Arlington, and West Georgia. The conference tournament is slated for March 10‑13, 2027, with the host venue to be announced later. Following the tournament, NCAA Selection Sunday will take place on March 14, 2027, offering teams a chance at national postseason play.
Coach Tony Pujol, now in his ninth season at UNA, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming schedule. He highlighted the importance of early conference games in building momentum and praised the depth of competition within the league.
Fans and followers can stay updated on the Lions' progress and the broader UAC developments by visiting RoarLions.com, the official site for the University of North Alabama athletics.