Fort Myers Tip-Off 2026: Tulane’s Historic Return
Tulane University’s men’s basketball program is set to make its long‑awaited return to the Fort Myers Tip‑Off in November 2026, opening the tournament against the Georgia State Panthers on November 23 and later squaring off with the Davidson Wildcats on November 25.
The matchups mark a milestone for the Green Wave, as they have not faced either opponent since the 2018 edition of the event and will be meeting Georgia State for the tenth time, a series in which Tulane holds a 7‑2 advantage. Their history with Davidson stretches back to 1968, with the two schools splitting their previous two encounters on neutral ground.
Both games will be played at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College, a venue that has become the tournament’s central hub since its inception. The arena will host the Palms Division contests, which also feature Charlotte, Florida Gulf Coast, Northern Iowa and the aforementioned Georgia State and Davidson.
The scheduling details reveal a 3 p.m. CT tip‑off for the Georgia State game on November 23, followed by a noon‑half‑hour start against Davidson on November 25. This will be the first time Tulane participates in the Fort Myers Tip‑Off, a tournament that debuted in 2018 and now includes a Beach Division featuring DePaul, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh and Purdue.
The coaching staff views the event as a chance to test new strategies and build momentum early in the season, while fans anticipate a lively atmosphere that could boost recruiting and community engagement in the Fort Myers area.