Minnesota and St. Thomas, the state's only Division I basketball programs, are currently finalizing their 2026‑27 nonconference schedules, setting the stage for a potential annual rivalry series that many have been anticipating.
Why the rivalry matters
Beyond the competitive edge, the matchup promises financial benefits for both schools, drawing larger crowds and media attention that could boost ticket sales, sponsorships, and statewide interest in college basketball.
However, the scheduling calculus is not without risk. Minnesota's athletic department has historically favored opponents that improve its Quad 1 résumé, and a game against a Summit League team like St. Thomas would likely be classified as a Quad 3 opportunity, a category that could hurt the Gophers' NCAA Tournament prospects.
Last season the Gophers played 11 nonconference games, five of which were against teams ranked outside the top 300 on KenPom.com, and only three contests pitted them against opponents in the top‑75. Their toughest home nonconference opponent, Campbell, finished 185th, underscoring the limited challenge they faced.
Expert insight
College basketball analyst Darren Wolfson, a Minnesota sports insider, recently remarked that the rivalry is "closer than ever before to being reality," suggesting that administrative hurdles are giving way to a mutually beneficial agreement.
Potential venues add another layer of excitement. Both the Target Center in Minneapolis and the Barn, the Gophers' home arena, have been mentioned as viable sites for a double‑header, a format that could further amplify the event's appeal.
If the series materializes, it would not only enrich the programs financially but also generate a palpable buzz among fans, media, and local communities eager to see a new chapter in Minnesota basketball.