The University of Northern Iowa’s men’s basketball team is headed to Fort Myers, Florida, for the 2026 Fort Myers Tip‑Off, where it will open its season with two high‑profile matchups.
A New Era for the Panthers
First‑year head coach Kyle Green arrives with a fresh perspective after guiding the Panthers to a 23‑win campaign and an MVC Tournament title last season, a feat that earned the program a national ranking and a berth in the NCAA tournament.
The Panthers will test themselves against Davidson on November 23, a team coached by Matt McKillop, who in his fifth year has compiled a 20‑win season and secured an NIT berth, underscoring the Wildcats’ resurgence.
Two days later, on November 25, UNI will face Charlotte, led by head coach Wes Miller, who steered the 49ers to a 17‑17 record in the previous campaign while continuing to build a competitive program.
Both contests are slated for 10 a.m. Central Time at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, the centerpiece of the Palms Division’s six‑team field that promises fast‑paced, early‑season basketball.
Fans eager to experience the event can purchase travel packages that bundle hotel accommodations, game tickets and VIP parking, turning the trip into a full‑court weekend.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the early‑season schedule offers the Panthers a chance to gauge their progress against seasoned opponents and to fine‑tune the strategies that will define their campaign under Green’s leadership.
The excitement in Fort Myers reflects a broader narrative of renewal for UNI basketball, as the program seeks to translate recent success into sustained excellence on the national stage.