A Unified Tournament Experience
The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) has voted to reshape its basketball championship structure, consolidating the men’s and women’s tournaments into a single, city‑wide celebration under the Arch Madness brand.
Starting in 2027, both brackets will be staged in St. Louis during the same week, creating a seamless postseason schedule that highlights the league’s depth and competitiveness.
The new format expands each field to ten teams and grants the top two seeds a direct berth into the semifinals, a change that was underscored when Drake’s men, seeded ninth the previous season, upset top‑ranked Belmont to reach the final four.
MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson praised the move as a milestone for collegiate hoops, while Drake University President Marty Martin and Athletics Director Brian Hardin voiced their enthusiasm for the enhanced visibility and opportunities it brings to member schools.
St. Louis has been the home of the MVC men’s tournament since 1991, and the addition of the women’s championship deepens the city’s role as a basketball destination, building on a legacy of community support and partnership.
Future details — including game schedules, ticket packages, hospitality offerings, and fan experiences — will be released in the coming months, promising a vibrant atmosphere for players and spectators alike.