SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Summit League has officially released the men’s and women’s basketball schedules for the 2025-26 season. The first games are planned for New Year’s Eve, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting competition.
New Scheduling Approach for Enhanced Efficiency
Table of Contents
- 1. New Scheduling Approach for Enhanced Efficiency
- 2. Key Matchups to Kick Off the Season
- 3. New Year’s Day Showdowns
- 4. south Dakota State’s Dominant Streak
- 5. Additional New Year’s Day Games
- 6. Later Season Openings
- 7. Broadcast and Streaming Data
- 8. Championship Tournament Details
- 9. About The Summit League
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions about the Summit League Basketball Schedules
- 11. What are the dates for the 2026 Summit League Men’s & Women’s Championships?
- 12. Summit League unveils 2025-2026 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Schedules: Game Times and Venues
- 13. Key Dates and Broadcast Details
- 14. Men’s basketball Schedule Highlights
- 15. Women’s Basketball schedule Highlights
- 16. Venue Information & Ticket Details
- 17. Impact of recent NCAA Tournament Appearances
- 18. Analyzing the Schedule: key Factors for Success
- 19. Summit League Tournament outlook
League officials stated that a hybrid scheduling model will be used for the second consecutive year, aiming to reduce travel burdens and improve overall logistical efficiency for all nine participating teams. This innovative model features home and away games spread across four days of the week,with the inclusion of select doubleheaders.
Key Matchups to Kick Off the Season
The initial games of the 16-game league schedule will begin on December 31, 2025. The Women’s schedule will feature Omaha at Kansas City,while the Men’s schedule will showcase South Dakota at North Dakota State and Kansas City visiting Denver.
New Year’s Day Showdowns
New Year’s Day will highlight three women’s games and two men’s games. A notable doubleheader is scheduled at First Bank & Trust Arena in Brookings. The defending champions, South Dakota State, will face St. Thomas in a women’s game, and Omaha, the reigning men’s champions, will compete against SDSU.
south Dakota State’s Dominant Streak
The south Dakota State women’s basketball team enters the 2025-26 season with an notable Summit League-record 63-game winning streak. Their recent dominance includes undefeated runs in the last three seasons: 18-0 in 2022-23, 16-0 in 2023-24, and another 16-0 record in 2024-25.
Additional New Year’s Day Games
The north Dakota State women will travel to Tulsa to challenge Oral Roberts, a matchup featuring two of the league’s top teams from the previous season. Simultaneously, the North Dakota women will visit Denver for another exciting contest. The Oral Roberts men’s team will visit North Dakota to complete the New Year’s Day schedule.
Later Season Openings
The South Dakota women will begin their league play on January 3rd, with an away game against Kansas City. The St. Thomas men will also begin their season on this date, hosting Denver in their new arena in St. Paul.
Broadcast and Streaming Data
Summit League games will be widely accessible to fans. A majority of regular season games will be streamed on the Summit League Network, with subscription options available for $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually. Select games will also be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and Midco Sports.
Championship Tournament Details
For the 17th year in a row, the Summit League men’s and women’s basketball championships will be held in Sioux Falls, S.D., at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Centre from March 4-8, 2026. All nine teams will participate in the single-elimination tournaments, with all 16 games broadcast on Midco Sports or CBS Sports Network.
key Dates & Locations
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| First League Games | December 31, 2025 | Various Locations |
| New Year’s Day doubleheader | January 1, 2026 | First Bank & Trust Arena, Brookings, SD |
| championship Tournament | March 4-8, 2026 | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls, SD |
Did You Know? The Summit league has consistently hosted its championship tournaments in sioux Falls, S.D. since 2009, highlighting the city’s commitment to college basketball.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on game schedules and broadcast information by following The Summit League on social media platforms.
What are your predictions for the Summit League champions this season? Which teams do you think will have breakout performances?
About The Summit League
The Summit League is an NCAA Division I athletic conference comprised of nine institutions. It sponsors championships in 19 sports and is committed to providing its student-athletes with a high-quality academic and athletic experience. Learn more about NCAA Division I athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Summit League Basketball Schedules
- What is the Summit League? The Summit League is an NCAA Division I athletic conference.
- When do the 2025-26 basketball seasons begin? The first games are scheduled for New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.
- Where can I watch Summit League basketball games? Games will be streamed on the Summit League Network and broadcast on CBS Sports Network and Midco Sports.
- Where will the 2026 Championship Tournament take place? The tournament will be held in Sioux Falls, S.D., at the Denny sanford PREMIER Center.
- Does South Dakota State have a winning streak? Yes,the SDSU women’s team holds a Summit League-record 63-game winning streak.
- Is there a cost to watch games on the Summit League Network? Yes, subscription plans are available for $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually.
- What is the hybrid scheduling model? It’s a scheduling approach designed to lessen mirror scheduling and maximize travel efficiencies.
Share this article with fellow basketball fans and join the conversation! What are your thoughts on the new schedules?
What are the dates for the 2026 Summit League Men’s & Women’s Championships?
Summit League unveils 2025-2026 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Schedules: Game Times and Venues
Key Dates and Broadcast Details
The Summit League has officially released its highly anticipated 2025-2026 men’s and women’s basketball schedules. Conference play will tip off in late December 2025 and culminate with the annual Summit League Tournament in March 2026. Key dates to mark on your calendar include:
Conference Play begins: december 28-30, 2025
Summit League Championships (Men’s & Women’s): March 7-10, 2026 (Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premier center)
Regular Season Finale: Febuary 28, 2026
Broadcast details are still being finalized, but fans can expect extensive coverage across a variety of platforms.Traditionally, Summit League games are broadcast on ESPN+, regional sports networks, and potentially national networks for tournament games. Keep an eye on the official Summit League website (https://summitleague.org/) for the latest broadcast announcements.
Men’s basketball Schedule Highlights
The 2025-2026 men’s basketball schedule features a competitive landscape with several teams vying for the NCAA Tournament automatic bid. Here’s a glimpse of some key matchups:
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State: A rivalry game consistently drawing large crowds.
Oral Roberts vs.North Dakota: Oral Roberts, a recent NCAA Tournament participant, will face a tough test on the road.
Denver vs.South Dakota: A matchup showcasing contrasting styles of play.
Western Illinois vs. Kansas City: A battle for mid-table positioning.
The schedule is designed with a double round-robin format,ensuring each team plays every conference opponent twice – once at home and once away. This format promotes fairness and intensifies the competition for playoff spots.
Women’s Basketball schedule Highlights
The women’s basketball schedule promises an exciting season with several teams showcasing remarkable talent.Notable games include:
South Dakota vs. oral Roberts: A clash between two of the league’s top contenders.
North Dakota state vs. Denver: A geographically diverse matchup with potential for high scoring.
Kansas City vs. Western Illinois: A competitive game with implications for the conference standings.
South Dakota state vs. North Dakota: A heated rivalry game with a strong local following.
Like the men’s schedule, the women’s conference schedule utilizes a double round-robin format. This ensures a balanced schedule and maximizes opportunities for teams to improve their conference record.
Venue Information & Ticket Details
All summit League teams will host games at their respective home arenas. Here’s a rapid rundown of key venues:
Denny Sanford Premier Center (Sioux Falls, SD): Host of the Summit League Championships.
Scheels Center (Fargo,ND): Home of North Dakota State.
Frost Arena (Brookings, SD): Home of South Dakota State.
Mabee Center (Tulsa, OK): Home of Oral Roberts.
hamilton Gymnasium (Denver, CO): Home of Denver.
Ticket information varies by institution. Fans are encouraged to visit the athletic websites of their respective teams for details on season tickets, single-game tickets, and potential package deals. Early purchase is recommended, especially for high-demand games.
Impact of recent NCAA Tournament Appearances
Oral Roberts’ recent success in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has significantly raised the profile of the Summit League. This increased visibility is expected to attract more attention to the conference and its teams, potentially leading to increased viewership and sponsorship opportunities. The success of Oral Roberts serves as a motivating factor for other Summit League programs striving for national recognition.
Analyzing the Schedule: key Factors for Success
Several factors will determine success in the 2025-2026 Summit League basketball season:
- Home-Court Advantage: Winning at home is crucial in a balanced conference like the Summit League.
- Road Performance: The ability to secure wins on the road will separate the contenders from the pretenders.
- Player Development: Teams that can effectively develop their players throughout the season will have a notable advantage.
- Coaching Strategies: Innovative coaching strategies and in-game adjustments will be key to overcoming tough opponents.
- Injury Prevention: Maintaining a healthy roster is essential for sustained success.
Summit League Tournament outlook
The Summit League Tournament in Sioux Falls remains the ultimate goal for all teams. the tournament is known for its competitive atmosphere and unpredictable outcomes. Securing a top seed in the tournament is crucial,as it provides a favorable path to the championship game and the coveted NCAA Tournament berth. The Denny Sanford Premier Center provides a fantastic environment for both players and fans,creating a memorable tournament experience.
