The National Association of Basketball Coaches is set to debut a new Division III Tournament series for the 2026‑27 season, bringing together eight elite programs in back‑to‑back events that will crown champions in two host cities.
The first leg will unfold in Las Vegas in December 2026, followed by a second leg in San Antonio in early January 2027, each featuring a compact two‑day slate of games.
Each tournament will showcase eight Division III men’s basketball teams, arranged into two four‑team brackets, guaranteeing every participant at least two contests — a semifinal and a championship or consolation match.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The format ensures a blend of geographic diversity and competitive balance, as each school will navigate a semifinal and then either a title game or a consolation contest within the same weekend.
While the full slate of pairings, start times and ticket details remains pending, organizers have confirmed the initial fields of teams that will travel to the southwestern venues.
Participating Schools
The Las Vegas bracket will include representatives from Chicago, Elmhurst, Emory, Keene State, Randolph‑Macon, Redlands, Trine and Wabash, while the San Antonio field will feature squads from Clarkson, Hardin‑Simmons, Johns Hopkins, Trinity (TX), Wheaton (IL), Williams, WPI and WashU.
Specific match‑ups, game times and ticket information are slated for release in the coming months, promising a fuller picture of what promises to be a landmark event for the division.
Beyond the on‑court action, the series aims to elevate the profile of Division III basketball, offering fans a concentrated showcase of talent and institutional pride.