The Southern Conference (SoCon) has released its 2026‑27 men’s basketball schedule, setting up a compact but intense slate that will see eleven member schools contest 110 games across eleven weeks.
Season Structure
Each team will play a double‑round‑robin format, guaranteeing two meetings with every conference opponent. The schedule runs from the first week of December through late February, culminating in a championship tournament in Asheville, North Carolina.
Nonconference play opens on Monday, November 2, giving teams a chance to fine‑tune before the league slate begins. The first official conference matchup arrives on December 1, when UNCG hosts VMI, marking Jerod Haase’s debut as head coach in the SoCon.
Haase, who previously led UAB and Central Arkansas, succeeds a legacy of competitive play, while Samford taps Tobin Anderson, a coach known for guiding Iona and Fairleigh Dickinson to memorable NCAA Tournament runs, including a historic upset in 2023.
Among the highlighted pairings is a December 22 showdown between Furman and ETSU, a rematch of last season’s tournament title game that promises renewed intensity. All home contests will be streamed on ESPN+ unless selected for national or regional broadcast, ensuring broad access for fans.
Championship Details
The 2027 Southern Conference Basketball Championship is slated for March 5‑8 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina. The venue, known for its modern amenities and central location, will host the final games of the league season, crowning the conference champion in front of a regional audience.
With the schedule now set, coaches and players alike are gearing up for a season that blends tradition with fresh storylines, promising competitive games and a showcase of emerging talent across the conference.