Conference USA extends partnership with North Alabama
HUNTSVILLE – With the Conference USA Basketball Tournament currently being played in Huntsville for the third consecutive year, the timing was perfect for the latest announcement from the Div. 1 conference, the City of Huntsville and in conjunction with the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville Sports Commission, whereas, an agreement the conference will continue to bring championship events to North Alabama.
The agreement will bring the next three CUSA Basketball Championships (2027-29), the next three CUSA Beach Volleyball Championships (2027-29) and the 2026 and 2028 CUSA Cross Country Championships to the Rocket City.
“Huntsville has proven to be an exceptional host and partner for Conference USA championships,” said CUSA Commissioner Judy MacLeod. “Extending and expanding this partnership allows us to continue delivering first-class championship experiences for our student-athletes while showcasing the area’s outstanding venues, hospitality and commitment to collegiate athletics. We are excited to build on this momentum in the coming years.”
Besides the current men’s and women’s basketball tournaments being held at the Von Braun Center this week, which features 20 teams competing for conferences titles and automatic bids to the 2026 NCAA Tournaments, the local area previously hosted the 2025 CUSA Cross Country Championships and the 2022 CUSA Beach Volleyball Championships.
“Our team is excited to further our partnership with Conference USA through 2029,” said Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County CVB. “Extending our hosting duties for the basketball championships and expanding to the beach volleyball and cross country championships showcases Huntsville’s reputation as a championship destination.”
“Creating a premier championship experience for student-athletes is central to our mission,” said Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “Huntsville has established itself as a leading destination for collegiate sports, and we are honored to continue and expand our relationship with Conference USA. We look forward to welcoming the con- ference back to the Rocket City.”
The basketball competition will be held at the Von Braun Center while the beach volleyball and cross country events will be held at John Hunt Park in south Huntsville. CUSA is home to 12 schools, including Jacksonville State here in Alabama. The continuation of these championship events solidifies Huntsville’s role as a cornerstone destination for Conference USA athletics and provides student-athletes and fans alike with premier competitive experiences in state-of-the-art facilities.
