The Mid-American Conference and the Sun Belt Conference are set to kick off the fourth season of their joint MAC-SBC Challenge on Monday, November 2, 2026, marking the continuation of a partnership that has grown steadily since its inception.
A Multi-Year Extension
The agreement that governs the Challenge has been renewed through the 2028-29 season, ensuring that fans will see the series continue well into the next decade.
In the opening round, the men's squads will head to Louisiana, while the women's teams will host South Alabama, setting up a geographically diverse slate of games that reflects the conferences' commitment to regional balance.
Second-Round Slate and Matchup Logic
A second round is slated for Saturday, February 6, 2027, featuring a flip in hosting duties: Sun Belt women's teams will welcome MAC opponents, and MAC men's teams will host Sun Belt rivals.
Each participating program is guaranteed at least one home game and one away game each season, a structure made possible by scheduling assistance from Ordinal Sports Group. The pairings are derived from a blend of NET rankings, geographic considerations and the historical frequency of past contests.
All contests will be carried on an ESPN platform, bringing the Challenge to a national audience and providing both conferences with valuable exposure on one of the country's leading sports networks.
The extended schedule not only reinforces the competitive ties between the Mid-American and Sun Belt conferences but also offers student-athletes additional opportunities to showcase their talents on a prominent stage.