A new era for Arch Madness
The Missouri Valley Conference's Board of Directors has voted to reshape its basketball championship structure beginning in 2027, a move that promises to reshape the competitive landscape of mid‑major college basketball.
Under the new arrangement, the women's championship will be staged in St. Louis, bringing the event back to a city that has previously served as a frequent host and reinforcing the Conference's commitment to elevating the profile of women's basketball.
Both the men's and women's tournaments will adopt a ten‑team format, with the top two seeds receiving double byes directly to the semifinals, a change designed to reward regular‑season excellence and add strategic depth to the bracket.
The decision builds on a long tradition of Arch Madness, which has been anchored in St. Louis since 1991 for the men's event, while the Quad Cities arena and other regional venues have recently showcased the women's championship, most recently in 2025 and 2026.
MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson described the restructuring as a natural evolution, noting that the new model reflects the Conference's ambition to expand fan engagement, broaden media exposure and create fresh sponsorship opportunities.
Long‑standing partners such as State Farm Insurance, Grinnell Mutual Insurance and Credit Union 1 have reaffirmed their support, underscoring the financial stability that underpins the Conference's growth plans.
Drake University President Marty Martin, who chairs the MVC Board, highlighted the strategic importance of the changes for the future of MVC basketball, while acknowledging the contributions of previous host communities.
Details regarding schedules, ticket packages and fan experiences will be released in the coming months, giving schools, athletes and supporters a clearer picture of what to expect from the revamped championships.