Conference USA Extends Partnership with North Alabama

Deal brings basketball, beach volleyball, and cross country championships to Huntsville through 2029.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Conference USA has announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with the city of Huntsville, Alabama, and the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Huntsville Sports Commission. The agreement will bring the CUSA Basketball Championships, Beach Volleyball Championships, and Cross Country Championships to the Rocket City through 2029.

Why it matters

This extended partnership solidifies Huntsville's reputation as a premier destination for collegiate sports championships, providing student-athletes and fans with access to top-notch facilities and hospitality. It also highlights the city's growing role as a cornerstone for Conference USA athletics.

The details

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 Huntsville. The basketball competition will be held at the Von Braun Center, while the beach volleyball and cross country events will take place at John Hunt Park.

  • The 2026 CUSA Cross Country Championships will be held in Huntsville.
  • The 2027-2029 CUSA Basketball Championships will be held in Huntsville.
  • The 2027-2029 CUSA Beach Volleyball Championships will be held in Huntsville.
  • The 2028 CUSA Cross Country Championships will be held in Huntsville.

The players

Judy MacLeod

The Commissioner of Conference USA.

Joel Lamp

The Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Mark Russell

The Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission.

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What they’re saying

“Huntsville has proven to be an exceptional host and partner for Conference USA championships. 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.”

— Judy MacLeod, Conference USA Commissioner

“Our team is excited to further our partnership with Conference USA through 2029. 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.”

— Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager, Huntsville/Madison County CVB

“Creating a premier championship experience for student-athletes is central to our mission. 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 conference back to the Rocket City.”

— Mark Russell, Executive Director, Huntsville Sports Commission

What’s next

The 2026 CUSA Cross Country Championships will be the first event held under the new agreement, followed by the 2027-2029 basketball and beach volleyball championships.

The takeaway

Huntsville's successful hosting of Conference USA championships has led to an expanded partnership, solidifying the city's reputation as a premier destination for collegiate sports events. This deal will provide student-athletes and fans with access to top-notch facilities and hospitality in the Rocket City for years to come.