Governors Challenge Collegiate Grows to 12 Teams

Wicomico County, MD - College basketball is coming back to Salisbury this month, and there will be a lot more of it. The Governors Challenge Collegiate, presented by Piedmont Airlines, is adding teams for its second year.

A total of 12 NCAA Division III men's and women's teams will play at the Wicomico Civic Center, 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD. The games run from Friday, November 20, 2026, through Sunday, November 22, 2026. Organizers say the bigger field is good news for the whole county.

"We're excited about what this event is becoming and what that growth means for our community," said tournament director James Simmons. "Expanding the field brings more teams, families and visitors to Wicomico County, while giving local athletes and basketball fans the opportunity to see some of the best Division III programs in the country compete right here at home."

Eight men's teams are on the schedule. Salisbury University, Roanoke College and Notre Dame of Maryland University are coming back after playing in the event before.

They'll be joined by Randolph Macon College, Hood College, St. Joseph's University - Brooklyn, SUNY Oneonta and Vassar College. Fans can expect some strong play, since three of those eight men's teams ended the 2025-26 season in the D3hoops.com top 25.

The women's side has four teams. Salisbury University and Lehman College are both returning, with Neumann University and Rowan University joining them this year.

The first day of the tournament, Friday, November 20, 2026, is also Youth Day. It's presented by Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc.

Fifth graders from all over Wicomico County will fill the stands that morning. They'll be cheering at the 11 a.m. men's game between Salisbury University and St. Joseph's University - Brooklyn.

Once both games that day are over, kids in grades K-8 can stay for a free basketball clinic. Salisbury University's men's and women's basketball players and coaches will be the ones leading it.

Families who want to sign their kids up for the clinic can register online at www.governorschallenge.org/collegiate/community/youth-clinic.

Tickets are already on sale. You can choose general admission or courtside seats, and there are passes for the full weekend too.

To buy tickets, check the game schedule or get more details, go to www.GovernorsChallenge.org.