The University of South Florida Women's Basketball team is set to headline the 2026 Cherokee Invitational, a premier early‑season holiday event that will take place at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina.
A Holiday Showcase
The Bulls will open the tournament on Sunday, December 20, at 9:00 p.m. EST, when they meet Auburn University. A day later, on Monday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m. EST, they will take on Middle Tennessee State University.
Head coach Kristy Curry, now in her seventh year leading the program, will guide the squad through the two‑game stretch, which concludes South Florida's 14‑game non‑conference slate.
The invitation marks the fifth edition of the tournament, which has become a staple of the women's college basketball calendar, drawing top Division I programs each December.
Joining the Bulls in the field are Auburn, Middle Tennessee State, and the University of Tulsa, each bringing a distinctive profile to the event.
South Florida's rich postseason pedigree includes 19 tournament appearances and 10 NCAA Tournament berths over the past 25 seasons, along with 13 seasons of 20 or more wins and a WNIT championship in 2008‑09.
The tournament's location at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort not only provides a scenic backdrop but also underscores the growing partnership between collegiate athletics and major entertainment venues.