The 2026 Acrisure Series has quickly established itself as the nation’s most anticipated Thanksgiving basketball showcase, compressing 26 Division I contests into a six‑day festival in the sun‑soaked Coachella Valley of Greater Palm Springs, California.
Among the participants, the University of Portland Pilots will open the tournament on November 21 against Fordham, marking the first of three opening‑round matchups. The Pilots bring back six veterans from a squad that last season upset No. 6 Gonzaga 87‑80, a victory that helped cement the team’s rising profile.
A Competitive Field
The event will feature a who’s‑who of West Coast programs, including Arizona State, California Baptist, Colorado and a host of other top‑ranked teams, each vying for early‑season momentum and a share of the holiday spotlight.
Beyond the games, organizers promise a weekend of alumni gatherings, premium hospitality suites and fan experiences designed to turn the Palm Springs arena into a destination for college basketball enthusiasts.
Tickets and Timing
Tickets go on sale August 8 via Ticketmaster.com, giving fans the opportunity to secure seats for the opening night and the championship contests that will crown the series champion later in the week.
The tournament is presented by Acrisure, Visit Greater Palm Springs and Spotlight 29 Casino, partnerships that blend corporate sponsorship with local tourism promotion to elevate the event’s profile.