Atlantic 10 Conference Announces Men’s Basketball Pairings for 2026-27 Season
The Atlantic 10 Conference officially revealed its men’s basketball schedule pairings for the 2026-27 season on Wednesday, according to a press release from the conference office. The announcement outlines the matchups between member teams, setting the stage for the upcoming NCAA Division I campaign.
Key Teams and Matchups in the 2026-27 Season
The 2026-27 schedule features a mix of traditional rivals and new intraleague matchups, with teams like Saint Louis University, University of Dayton, and University of Massachusetts Amherst highlighted as central figures. The conference’s 13 teams will play a 18-game schedule, with each team facing every other team at least once. For example, Saint Louis will host UMass in a high-profile early-season game on November 12, 2026, according to the conference’s official calendar.
Implications for the NCAA Tournament
The Atlantic 10’s scheduling decisions could impact the conference’s NCAA Tournament seeding. Teams with stronger in-conference records often gain favor with the selection committee. The 2025-26 season saw the University of Connecticut (UConn) win the conference tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. This year, UConn returns as a favorite, though the addition of new teams like the University of San Francisco in 2025 may alter competitive dynamics.
How the Schedule Affects Rivalries
The 2026-27 plan emphasizes traditional rivalries, including the annual “Battle for the Gateway” between Saint Louis and UMass. The conference also added interdivisional games to promote competitive balance. For instance, the University of Rhode Island will face the University of Dayton in a mid-February matchup, a shift from previous seasons where those teams were in separate divisions.
What’s Next for the Atlantic 10?
The conference will announce its full 2026-27 calendar, including nonconference games, by December 1, 2025. Teams will also begin evaluating transfer portal additions and coaching staff changes ahead of the season. The NCAA Tournament bracket will be unveiled on March 12, 2027, with the Atlantic 10’s performance in the 2026-27 regular season and conference tournament determining its representation.