The Mountaineers and the Hokies have formalized a three‑game men's basketball series that will kick off in December 2026 and span the next three seasons. The agreement was reached by the athletic departments of West Virginia University and Virginia Tech, marking a renewed commitment to a rivalry that has defined college basketball in the region for generations.
The opening contest is scheduled for December 5, 2026, at Hope Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia. The venue, known for its electric atmosphere, will host the first meeting of the series, setting the stage for a matchup that fans have long anticipated.
Rotating Venues and Scheduling Flexibility
Games two and three will be played at Virginia Tech's Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia, and at Charleston's Charleston Coliseum in West Virginia, respectively. While the exact dates for the latter two contests will be finalized each season, the venues were selected to showcase the distinct home courts of both programs while maintaining a balanced geographic spread.
The series' structure reflects a mutual understanding that future dates will be coordinated well in advance, ensuring that each institution can align the games with its broader non‑conference schedule. This approach also allows both schools to plan travel, marketing, and fan engagement activities around each event.
Beyond the three‑game series, both universities have also locked in additional non‑conference matchups. West Virginia will face Mercyhurst on December 1 and Coppin State on December 13, with both contests taking place at Hope Coliseum. These games provide further opportunities for the Mountaineers to test new talent and fine‑tune strategies before entering conference play.
The rivalry between West Virginia and Virginia Tech stretches back to 1921, with the Mountaineers holding a historical edge of 49‑30 in the all‑time series. Recent meetings have reinforced this advantage, as WVU has won nine of the last 13 encounters, including an 88‑63 victory over the Hokies in December 2015 at Blacksburg.
The upcoming December 2026 game will mark the 80th meeting between the two programs, underscoring the longevity and significance of this competition. Both coaching staffs have expressed enthusiasm for the series, highlighting its role in enriching the basketball culture of the Appalachian region and providing memorable experiences for student‑athletes and fans alike.