The Missouri Valley Conference’s “Arch Madness” event will expand next March and include not only the MVC men’s basketball tournament, but also the women’s tournament during the same week in St. Louis.
The MVC announced that significant change to its marquee tourneys Monday morning.
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The MVC Board of Directors approved the changes to the conference’s basketball championship structure beginning with the 2027 season. That includes the relocation of the MVC Women’s Basketball Championship to St. Louis and the adoption of a new 10-team tourney format for men and women.
Beginning in March 2027, the MVC’s men’s and women’s championships will be conducted in St. Louis during the same week. The MVC said the change will create “a unified tournament experience that showcases the conference’s commitment to basketball excellence while elevating the visibility of both events.”
The MVC men’s tournament has been played in St. Louis since 1991. The MVC women’s tournament has been played in the Quad Cities from 2016-2024, Evansville in 2025 and Coralville, Iowa, in 2026.
Indiana State has won the MVC men’s tournament title three times — in 1979, 2001 and 2011. Indiana State has never won the MVC women’s tournament.
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Relocating the women’s championship in St. Louis builds upon the foundation of the men’s tournament, the Valley release said, “and creates new opportunities for fan engagement, media exposure, sponsorship activation and championship programming.”
Besides the women’s tourney relocation, the MVC Board also 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,” according to the Valley.
Indiana State head coaches Matthew Graves (men) and Marc Mitchell (women) couldn’t find a reason to be upset by the changes.
“Excited for new times in the MVC,” Graves told the Tribune-Star. “I believe protecting the 1 and 2 seeds is a great thing since we already play a true round-robin in the regular season.
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“This change is only going to enhance the overall basketball being played in the conference.”
“I think it’s an awesome opportunity, both for our program and the MVC,” Mitchell mentioned. “Women’s basketball continues to grow and this brings one of the top mid-major conferences on a larger stage.
“We’re excited to be a part of the long-standing tradition of Arch Madness and we are looking forward to the chance to compete for a championship in St. Louis.”
The MVC has 11 member schools. Thus, the 10-team format means teams finishing in 11th place in the regular-season standings will not make the field in the men’s and women’s tournaments, Mike Kern — MVC senior associate commissioner — confirmed to the Tribune-Star on Monday. Previously, the MVC men’s tournament has included every conference team since 1997, while the MVC women’s tournament has included all teams since 2006, Kern said.
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“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.
MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson said the move represents a natural evolution.
“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.”
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Additional details regarding championship schedules, ticket packages, hospitality opportunities, and fan experiences will be announced at a later date, according to the Valley.
2027 MVC basketball tournaments
Wednesday, March 3-Thursday, March 4 — Women’s opening round, 4 games; men’s opening round, 4 games.
Friday, March 5-Saturday, March 6 — Women’s second round, 2 games; women’s semifinals, 2 games; men’s second round, 2 games; men’s semifinals, 2 games.
Sunday, March 7 — Men’s championship game; women’s championship game.
