The Fort Myers Tip-Off, a staple of the college basketball calendar, is set to return to Fort Myers, Florida, in late November 2026, bringing together four of the nation’s most respected programs.
A historic return to Fort Myers
The Beach Division will feature Purdue, Oklahoma, DePaul and Pitt, each bringing a distinct legacy to the tournament. Purdue, under head coach Matt Painter, begins his 22nd season at his alma mater, while Oklahoma’s Porter Moser is on pace to reach 400 career victories. Pitt, coached by Jeff Capel, enters his ninth year with the Panthers, and DePaul’s Chris Holtmann, who has amassed 281 wins over 15 seasons, returns to the event for the first time.
Fan travel packages for the event will become available on June 3, 2026, giving supporters a chance to secure accommodations and tickets ahead of the November 24 and 26 dates at Florida SouthWestern State College.
A legacy of competition
The tournament has a storied past, having showcased powerhouses such as Michigan, Florida, Kansas and others in recent years. In 2019, Pitt captured the championship in the event’s second year, and the 2026 edition will continue the tradition of high‑level competition on the Southwest Florida sports calendar.
Prominent national brands including State Farm and Old Trapper are aligned with the Fort Myers Tip-Off, underscoring the event’s growing commercial appeal and community partnerships.
Lee County will host the ninth‑annual tournament, welcoming fans from across the country and reinforcing the region’s reputation as a hub for college basketball excitement.
The Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off will also feature a strong field of teams such as LSU, NC State, TCU and Villanova, expanding the event’s reach beyond the men’s field.
In addition to the on‑court action, the tournament will highlight local organizations like Florida SouthWestern State College and Intersport, whose collaboration has helped shape the event’s profile and logistical success.