Big Sky Conference Extends Boise Tournament Deal for 5 More Years

The conference championship games will continue to be held at the Idaho Central Arena through 2031.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:04am

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The Big Sky Conference has signed a new five-year extension to keep its annual men's and women's basketball tournament in Boise, Idaho. The championship games will continue to take place at the Idaho Central Arena on March 11, with the winning teams earning a spot in the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments.

Why it matters

Boise has hosted the Big Sky Conference tournament for the past 11 consecutive years, establishing it as a popular destination for fans across the region to come together and support their teams. The extension solidifies Boise's role as the central hub for the conference's marquee event.

The details

The new five-year deal will keep the Big Sky tournament in Boise through 2031. Big Sky Conference Commissioner Tom Wistrcill cited the strong partnership with the local business community and elected officials as a key factor in extending the agreement. Fans from across the conference's footprint, including Minnesota, the Tri-Cities, and Pocatello, regularly travel to Boise to attend the tournament and support their teams.

  • The 2026 Big Sky Conference tournament championship games will take place on March 11.
  • The new five-year extension will keep the tournament in Boise through 2031.

The players

Tom Wistrcill

The Big Sky Conference Commissioner who announced the new five-year extension to keep the tournament in Boise.

Idaho State Bengals

A men's basketball team that competed in the 2026 Big Sky Conference tournament in Boise.

Sacramento State

The team that defeated the Idaho State Bengals 62-53 in the 2026 Big Sky Conference tournament.

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What’s next

The championship games of the 2026 Big Sky Conference tournament are set to take place on Wednesday night.

The takeaway

Boise's strong relationship with the Big Sky Conference and its loyal fan base have solidified the city's role as the long-term host of the conference's marquee basketball tournament, providing an economic boost and sense of community for the region.