The MAC-SBC Challenge, a partnership between the Mid-American Conference and Sun Belt Conference in men's and women's basketball, has been extended through the 2028-29 season. This alliance will feature 12 teams from each conference competing in back-to-back games in the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons, with all matches aired on ESPN platforms. Initiated in the 2023-24 season, the challenge aims to provide competitive non-conference matchups and increased exposure for participating programs. Notably, the Sun Belt has won two out of the three challenges held so far.

By the Numbers
  • The Sun Belt has a record of 41-33 (.554) overall in the MAC-SBC Challenge.
  • In the last event, Sun Belt men's teams won 14 of 26 games.
State of Play
  • The challenge has proven popular, producing significant non-conference games.
  • Scheduling will continue to utilize NET data and historical matchup considerations.
What's Next

The next round of the MAC-SBC Challenge is set to kick off on November 2, 2026, with matchup schedules already established for the next three seasons. This ongoing partnership suggests an increasingly competitive landscape for basketball teams within these conferences.

Bottom Line

The extension of the MAC-SBC Challenge not only enhances competition but also amplifies exposure for athletes and institutions, strengthening the profile of both conferences in men's and women's basketball.