A New Chapter in Midwest Basketball
Missouri and Saint Louis have announced a three-year basketball series that will kick off on November 6, 2026, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two schools since December 2001, rekindling a historic rivalry that has been absent from the schedule for more than two decades.
The agreement also includes a slate of neutral‑site games for the 2026‑27 season. Mizzou will travel to Kansas City to face Kansas, host Illinois in St. Louis, and head to Chicago to play Marquette. In total, Missouri will participate in four neutral‑site contests, a deliberate effort to fortify its nonconference schedule.
Both programs recently navigated the NCAA Tournament with mixed results. Saint Louis advanced to the second round before falling to Michigan, while Missouri was eliminated in the first round by Miami. The experience has underscored the need for tougher pre‑conference competition as each team looks to improve its postseason prospects.
The series has drawn attention from several media partners, including CBS Sports, College Hoops Today, KTRS and the NCAA, all of which will help broadcast the games to a wider audience. By scheduling high‑profile neutral‑site contests, the schools aim to provide fans with marquee matchups while also testing their rosters against diverse competition.