A packed non‑conference slate
The University at Albany revealed its complete 2026‑27 men’s and women’s basketball schedules, setting the tone for a season that blends early road challenges with a series of America East contests. Both programs hope to capitalize on recent momentum as they prepare for conference play.
The men’s team opens the year on November 2 at Broadview Center against Rhode Island College before traveling to Manhattan for the inaugural America East–Metro Basketball Challenge on November 5. A home game with Merrimack follows on November 8, and a trip to Syracuse on November 25 pits the Great Danes against a Power Five opponent.
The women’s squad begins on November 2 at Northeastern and then hosts Manhattan on November 5, launching the same challenge. After a stop at Mount St. Mary’s on November 8, the team faces back‑to‑back Power Four opponents, playing at Ole Miss on November 11 and at Rutgers on November 16.
America East campaign and tournament outlook
Conference play kicks off in January, with the men’s first America East game at home against Binghamton on January 9 and the women’s league opener at UMass Lowell on December 31. Both teams will then navigate a condensed schedule that culminates in the America East Tournament in March, featuring semifinals and championship games on the 6th, 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th.
The annual Albany Cup will see the men host Siena on December 12, while the women travel to Siena for their own cup match on December 5, adding a local rivalry flavor to the non‑conference slate.