Credit Union of Texas Event Center will welcome NCAA Division I conference championships for next three years
August 20, 2026 (Allen, Texas) – Championship basketball is coming to Allen. The United Athletic Conference has selected Credit Union of Texas Event Center to host its Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament for the next three years, beginning with the 2026-27 championship season. The selection gives Allen the honor of welcoming NCAA Division I student-athletes, alumni and fans from across Texas and the country while showcasing our community as a destination for championship sports, entertainment and hospitality.
The first UAC Basketball Tournaments in Allen will be held March 10 – 14, 2027, bringing eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams to compete for conference championship.
“To me, the most meaningful part of this announcement is the partnership itself. The UAC has placed its confidence in Allen for the next three years, and we don’t take that lightly. I look forward to working alongside the conference and our community to make each championship a success,” said Allen Mayor Chris Schulmeister. “My hope is that every student-athlete, coach and fan leaves Allen, Texas feeling welcomed, appreciated and looking forward to coming back the following year.”
For college basketball fans in North Texas, the tournament also brings plenty of familiar names close to home. Three UAC members are based in Texas: Abilene Christian University, Tarleton State University and University of Texas at Arlington. Alumni and fans throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area will have the chance to cheer on their alma maters without traveling far, while Allen welcomes supporters from the conference’s other member institutions across the South.
Other UAC members include Austin Peay State University, University of Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky University, University of North Alabama, University of Arkansas at Little Rock and University of West Georgia.
“Credit Union of Texas Event Center was built to host championship-caliber events, and we’re so excited to see it serve as the home of the UAC Basketball Tournaments,” said Visit Allen, Texas Director Brandy O’Keefe. “Student-athletes spend an entire season working toward the opportunity to compete for a conference championship, and we’re proud to provide a venue that matches the significance of that moment.”
Beyond the excitement on the court, hosting the UAC Basketball Tournaments represents a significant economic opportunity for Allen. Hundreds of student-athletes, coaches, officials, conference staff and administrators will be joined by families, alumni and fans staying in Allen hotels, eating at local restaurants and shopping throughout the tournament.
Comparable NCAA Division I conference championships can generate approximately 2,500 to 4,000 hotel room nights, $1.2 million to $2.5 million in direct visitor spending and more than $2 million in total economic impact. That spending makes a significant contribution to Allen’s tax base, generating sales tax revenue that helps fund City services and amenities such as parks, roads and public facilities.
Bracket, ticket and broadcast information for the 2027 UAC Basketball Tournaments will be announced at a later date.
About the United Athletic Conference
The newly rebranded United Athletic Conference (UAC) is a competitive NCAA Division I conference sponsoring sixteen (16) sports and championships with nine (9) full member institutions including Abilene Christian University (Abilene, Texas), the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Little Rock, Ark.), Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, Tenn.), the University of Central Arkansas (Conway, Ark.), Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, Ky.), the University of North Alabama (Florence, Ala.), Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Texas), the University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, Texas), and the University of West Georgia (Carrollton, Ga.) with the University of West Florida (Pensacola, Fla.) as an affiliate member in football.
About Allen, Texas
Allen, Texas is a community of more than 110,000 residents that invests in what matters: helping people thrive. Located in the heart of Collin County, Allen is known for its nationally recognized schools, award‑winning parks and trails, safe neighborhoods, flourishing business community, and exceptional public services. Through thoughtful planning and a commitment to getting the details right, Allen has built a reputation for delivering the things that make life better while nurturing the community spirit that makes people proud to call Allen home. Learn more at AllenTX.gov.
