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0 36 combined men’s and women’s games annually aim to strengthen regional competition and address nonconference scheduling challenges
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — In a move designed to energize regional matchups and tackle one of Division I basketball’s most persistent challenges, the Southern Conference and Big South Conference announced Thursday a new two-year basketball scheduling alliance beginning in 2026-27.
The series will feature 18 men’s games and 18 women’s matchups each season, creating 36 combined contests annually between the two conferences. Most schools will play one home game and one road game against different opponents, with the games added to existing nonconference agreements already in place between institutions.
The men’s game dates are scheduled for Nov. 18 and 21, 2026, and Nov. 17 and 20, 2027. The women’s dates are set for Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 2026, and Nov. 20 and Dec. 1, 2027.
Opponent locations will not repeat from 2026-27 to 2027-28, although some teams may face the same opponent in consecutive years. All matchups and game dates will be determined by mutual agreement of both commissioners.
Scheduling Structure and Analytics
For the men’s series, opponents will not be determined until after the transfer portal closes but no later than May 31. The leagues will utilize predictive analytics to determine matchups, with projected NET rankings serving as the primary factor in scheduling games. Whenever possible, geographic proximity will be given secondary consideration.
For the women’s series, opponents will be determined no later than April 1. Geographic proximity and NET rankings will be considered to create competitive matchups.
SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross emphasized the collaborative effort behind the agreement.
“Our athletic directors and basketball coaches continue to be proactive in addressing one of college basketball’s most persistent challenges – Division I non-conference scheduling. This alliance with the Big South reflects a shared commitment to providing our student-athletes with competitive geographically aligned scheduling opportunities that strengthen our programs and give fans the quality matchups they seek,” said Cross. “By partnering with the Big South, we’re taking a proactive approach to solving scheduling problems while creating games that will generate excitement across both leagues. This is exactly the kind of collaborative solution basketball needs and we’re looking forward to a long-standing partnership.”
Big South Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery said the initiative represents a strategic step forward for her league.
“This scheduling alliance underscores our continued commitment to strengthening basketball in the Big South Conference,” said Montgomery. “Our basketball coaches and directors of athletics were united in the need for an intentional scheduling approach — one that balances competitive excellence with regional relevance. The partnership with the Southern Conference enhances competitive opportunities, preserves regional rivalries, and delivers quality home games that strengthen the Big South’s basketball profile while enriching the experience for student-athletes and fans alike. This forward-looking initiative represents a strategic approach to scheduling and positions both conferences to further elevate their basketball profiles and competitive impact.”
About the Conferences
The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, includes 10 member institutions: The Citadel, East Tennessee State, Furman, Mercer, UNC Greensboro, Samford, Chattanooga, VMI, Western Carolina and Wofford. Tennessee Tech will join the SoCon as a full member beginning in 2026-27.
The Big South Conference, founded in 1983, consists of nine full member institutions and sponsors 19 championship sports.
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