The America East Conference and the Metro Conference have announced the teams and schedule for the inaugural America East-Metro Basketball Challenge set for November 5-8, 2026. This tournament includes nine teams from each conference, with each team playing two games against opponents from the other conference. All Metro Conference institutions will participate, with five schools fielding both men's and women's teams. Notably, this challenge marks the first collaboration between these two Northeast-based Division I leagues.

By the Numbers
  • 18 teams total participating鈥攏ine from the America East and nine from the Metro Conference.
  • Iona will play UMBC in a matchup on November 16, 2026, as part of the schedule.
State of Play
  • Games will occur over a weekend, with scheduled matchups starting on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
  • Each team will have one home game and one away game during the challenge.
What's Next

The Challenge is poised to enhance competition and visibility for both leagues as they leverage a mutual broadcasting partnership with ESPN. Future seasons will build on this inaugural event's framework for continued collaboration and expansion of basketball programs in the region.

Bottom Line

The America East-Metro Basketball Challenge is a significant step in fostering regional rivalries and showcasing talent, aiming to elevate both conferences' profiles in NCAA basketball. This strategic collaboration promises not only to enhance athletic competition but also to engage fans and boost local support.