The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has announced a new tournament format for both Men's and Women's Basketball, starting in the 2026-27 season. The updated structure includes the top 10 teams, ensuring the top two seeds receive byes to the semifinals. Seeds No. 3 and No. 4 move directly to the quarterfinals, while seeds No. 5 and No. 6 advance to the second round. Initial matchups will see the No. 8 seed face No. 9 and No. 7 against No. 10. This overhaul aims to enhance competitiveness and engagement in championship play.

By the Numbers
  • 10 teams will now participate in the tournaments, up from a previous format.
  • The top two seeds receive byes directly to the semifinals.
State of Play
  • The SWAC is focused on improving the tournament experience for players and fans.
  • Details regarding tournament dates, game times, and ticket information will be released later.
What's Next

As the new tournament structure takes effect, the SWAC will continue to evaluate its efficacy in boosting engagement and competitiveness. Future updates will likely include details on the scheduling and logistics of the tournaments.

Bottom Line

This new tournament format aims to enhance both the excitement and engagement of the SWAC Basketball Championships, reflecting the conference's commitment to growth and fan experience.