Ball State University has released its women's basketball schedule for the 2026‑27 campaign, a slate that promises both excitement and rigor as the Cardinals aim to extend their recent conference dominance.
The announcement comes as the program enters its fifteenth year under head coach Brady Sallee, whose steady leadership has turned the team into a consistent contender in the Mid‑American Conference.
A highlight of the non‑conference portion is a trip to the Maui Classic in December, where the Cardinals will face four opponents that earned berths in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including a marquee matchup in Hawaii that will test the squad against top‑tier competition.
Conference play will consist of 18 games, with Ball State meeting Miami (Ohio) and Toledo twice each. Both programs eliminated the Cardinals from the MAC Tournament last season, adding an extra layer of intensity to those matchups.
Before the first regular‑season game, the team will stage scrimmages against Indiana State and Butler, using those contests to fine‑tune chemistry and evaluate new additions ahead of a demanding schedule.
A Schedule Designed for Growth
The combination of challenging non‑conference opponents and a tightly contested MAC slate reflects the coaching staff's belief that exposure to elite competition will sharpen the Cardinals for postseason play. With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, Ball State hopes to translate early‑season tests into sustained success.