ST. LOUIS — The Missouri Valley Conference Board of Directors has approved a series of enhancements to the Conference's basketball championship structure beginning with the 2027 season, including the relocation of the MVC Women's Basketball Championship to St. Louis and the adoption of a new 10-team tournament format for both men's and women's basketball.
The decision marks a significant new chapter in the history of Arch Madness –– one of the most recognized conference basketball championship brands in the country. Beginning in 2027, the MVC's men's and women's basketball championships will be conducted in St. Louis at Enterprise Center during the same week, creating a unified tournament experience that showcases the Conference's commitment to basketball excellence while elevating the visibility of both events.
In addition to relocating the women's championship, the Board approved a revised tournament format that will feature 10 teams competing over four days in both men's and women's basketball. Under the new structure, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will advance directly to the semifinal round, providing meaningful reward for regular-season achievement while preserving the excitement and intensity that have long defined MVC championship basketball.
Bloomington, Illinois-based State Farm Insurance has been a corporate sponsor of Arch Madness since its move to St. Louis in 1991, and Grinnell Mutual Insurance and Credit Union 1 have been Conference postseason championship supporters since 2016 and 2024, respectively.
2027 ARCH MADNESS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Enterprise Center • St. Louis, Mo.
Wednesday, March 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Women's Basketball Opening Round – 4 games
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Thursday, March 4
Men's Basketball Opening Round – 4 games
Friday, March 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Women's Basketball Second Round – 2 games  Â
Men's Basketball Second Round – 2 games
Saturday, March 6
Women's Basketball Semifinals – 2 games
Men's Basketball Semifinals – 2 games
Sunday, March 7
Men's Basketball Championship Game
Women's Basketball Championship Game
Additional details regarding championship schedules, ticket packages, hospitality opportunities, and fan experiences will be announced at a later date.
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