CHARLOTTE, N.C. (www.BigSouthSports.com) – The Big South Conference and Southern Conference today announced a new two-year basketball scheduling series beginning in 2026-27 that will feature 18 men's games and 18 women's matchups played on selected dates each season.  Schools will play one home game and one road game against different opponents, and the contests would be in addition to any current agreement in place between two institutions.
 
The men's game dates are currently scheduled for Nov. 18 and 21, 2026, and Nov. 17 and 20, 2027, with the women's dates slated for Nov. 21 and Dec. 2, 2026, and Nov. 20 and Dec. 1, 2027, unless both teams agree to a change of date.  Opponent location would not repeat from 2026-27 to 2027-28, although some teams may be matched with the same opponent from one year to the next (but not guaranteed to do so).  All matchups and game dates will be determined by mutual agreement of both Commissioners.
 
"This scheduling alliance underscores our continued commitment to strengthening basketball in the Big South Conference," said Big South Commissioner Sherika A. 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."
 
"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," added SoCon Commissioner Michael 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."
 
For the men's annual series, opponents will not be determined until after the transfer portal closes but no later than May 31 prior to the upcoming season.  The Big South and SoCon offices will utilize predictive analytics to determine the best matchups heading into the season, including teams to be matched up primarily according to projected NET ranking for the upcoming year.  Whenever possible, secondary consideration will be given to matching up teams according to geographic proximities.
 
For the women's yearly series, opponents will be determined no later than April 1 prior to a season.  Primary consideration will be given to match up teams to avoid air travel, with secondary consideration given to matching up teams according to NET ranking to create competitive matchups where possible.
 
The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes ten member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College. Tennessee Tech University will join the SoCon as a full member for the 2026-27 season.