A neutral‑site showdown is slated for November 22, 2026, when the University of Missouri women's basketball team will host Kansas State at the T‑Mobile Center in Kansas City. The game marks the first confirmed appearance on Mizzou's schedule for the 2026‑27 season and is part of the 28.5 Invitational, a showcase organized by the Missouri‑based nonprofit Missouri Valley Youth Services.
The matchup will be the second straight year that Missouri has taken part in the 28.5 Invitational, a tournament that cost $17,000 to stage this edition. Both programs arrive with fresh rosters; the Tigers will field eight newcomers, including five high‑school signees and a three‑player transfer class, while Kansas State returns with head coach Jeff Mittie, who guided the Wildcats to a 19‑18 record last season.
For Missouri, the contest arrives early in a largely open calendar. Head coach Kellie Harper, now in her second year with the Tigers, will use the game as a springboard for a season that also includes participation in the ACC/SEC Challenge, though the opponent for that showcase remains undetermined.
Both teams shared similar records a year ago, each finishing 17‑17 overall and 4‑12 in conference play, and both fell in the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament. Missouri’s victory over Seton Hall secured its first postseason win in three seasons, while Kansas State had previously upset Georgia Tech in the opening round.
The two schools last met in December 2023 in St. Joseph, Missouri, adding a regional flavor to the upcoming neutral‑site encounter. The game will be played on the same court that will later host the expanding NCAA tournament, which is set to grow from 68 to 76 teams beginning next season.
Coaches and Career Milestones
Kellie Harper, a former player and assistant under Pat Summitt, returns to the head‑coach role after a stint that produced a 17‑17 record in her inaugural season. Her second‑year campaign is closely watched as the Tigers aim to break a NCAA tournament drought that dates back to the 2018‑19 season.
Jeff Mittie, a veteran coach with a track record at Arkansas and Kansas State, continues to build his program at the Wildcats. His 19‑18 record last year reflects a steady upward trajectory, positioning Kansas State as a competitive opponent for the Missouri showdown.