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 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.
The men's tournament has called St. Louis home since 1991, helping establish Arch Madness as a destination event for student-athletes, alumni, fans, and partners throughout the Missouri Valley Conference footprint. The addition of the women's championship builds upon that foundation and creates new opportunities for fan engagement, media exposure, sponsorship activation, and championship programming.
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.
The Conference acknowledges a debt of gratitude to the communities and partners that supported the growth of the MVC Women's Basketball Championship throughout its history, especially the Quad Cities (Vibrant Arena), which served as the event's home from 2016-2024, plus recent hosts in Evansville (Ford Center) in 2025 and Coralville (Xtream Arena) in 2026. Their commitment to Missouri Valley Conference women's basketball helped create the foundation for this next chapter.
"This decision reflects the Board's commitment to strengthening the long-term future of Missouri Valley Conference basketball while building upon one of our Conference's most valuable traditions," said Drake President Marty Martin, Chair of the MVC Board of Directors.
"For more than three decades, Arch Madness has been a destination event for our institutions, student-athletes, alumni, and fans. By bringing our women's basketball championship to St. Louis, we have an opportunity to expand that tradition, elevate the visibility of women's basketball, and create a championship experience that showcases the very best of the Missouri Valley Conference. The Board believes this decision positions the Conference for continued growth while creating new opportunities for our campuses and supporters."
MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson said the move represents a natural evolution of one of college basketball's most enduring championship events.
"Arch Madness is one of the great brands in college basketball," Jackson said. "For generations, it has represented the passion, tradition, and competitive excellence that define the Missouri Valley Conference. Beginning in 2027, we are proud to expand that experience by welcoming our women's basketball championship to St. Louis and bringing all Valley basketball together under the Arch Madness banner."
"This is about more than a tournament format. It is about creating a larger stage for our student-athletes, delivering greater value for our fans and partners, and continuing to invest in the future of Missouri Valley Conference basketball. We believe this decision creates a unique opportunity to celebrate both championships together while preserving everything that has made Arch Madness special for more than 35 years."
Additional details regarding championship schedules, ticket packages, hospitality opportunities, and fan experiences will be announced at a later date.
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 SCHEDULEÂ
Wednesday, March 3
Women's Basketball Opening Round – 4 games
Thursday, March 4
Men's Basketball Opening Round – 4 gamesÂ
Friday, March 5
Women's Basketball Second Round – 2 games
Men's Basketball Second Round – 2 games
Saturday, March 6Â
Women's Basketball Semifinals – 2 gamesÂ
Men's Basketball Semifinals – 2 games
Sunday, March 7Â
Men's Basketball Championship GameÂ
Women's Basketball Championship GameÂ
