UTEP Basketball Heads to Cancun for International Challenge
The University of Texas at El Paso’s men’s basketball program is set to embark on an unprecedented international campaign as part of the 2026 Cancun Challenge, a tournament that will run from November 24 through December 5. The invitation marks a rare opportunity for the Miners to test their mettle against top‑ranked opponents on a global stage.
UTEP will open the event on November 24 against the College of Charleston before concluding the tournament on November 25 with a game against either Eastern Michigan University or Kennesaw State University, depending on the draw. In addition, the Miners will host North Dakota at the Don Haskins Center on December 5, giving the team a home‑court feel before heading back to Mexico for the overseas leg.
Coach Joe Golding, who took over the program last season, described the invitation as a “great honor” and a chance to test his squad against quality opponents on a global stage. “Playing in Cancun against strong competition will help us grow and prepare for the rigors of conference play,” Golding said.
The 2026 Cancun Challenge marks the first time the Miners have played a regular‑season game outside the United States since the 2013‑14 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, underscoring the growing ambition of the program. Organized by Triple Crown Sports, the event will be staged at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya, a resort complex in Cancún where players and fans will be housed just steps from the competition venues.
A Milestone for the Miners Program
Beyond the on‑court action, the tournament offers a cultural immersion for the Miners, who will experience Mexican hospitality while competing in a setting that blends sport with resort leisure. The experience is expected to strengthen team chemistry and broaden the program’s national profile as it looks ahead to a competitive future in the NCAA.