North Dakota State’s men’s basketball program is set to make its debut at the Snake River Invitational, a three‑day tournament that will take place in Idaho Falls, Idaho, from November 27 to 29, 2026.
A milestone for the Bison
The event will bring together four programs — NDSU, Boise State, Drake and North Texas — at the Mountain America Center, creating a rare early‑season showcase that pits recent champions against one another.
Coach David Richman expressed excitement about the opportunity, noting that the Bison will open against North Texas on November 27 before meeting Drake on November 28, while Boise State and North Texas contest the other semifinals on the 29th.
NDSU arrives with a roster that blends returning point guard Andy Stefonowicz with 13 new faces, including seven transfers, five freshmen and one international student, a mix that helped the team post a school‑record 27 wins last season.
The tournament also underscores the Bison’s recent dominance in the Summit League, where they captured both the regular‑season and tournament titles, earning their sixth NCAA Tournament berth since 2009.
Beyond the games, the invitational offers the Mountain America Center a chance to highlight its facilities while giving fans a preview of the competitive balance that defines modern mid‑major basketball.