MAAC Extends Deal With Atlantic City For Basketball Tournaments

Atlantic City will host the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournament from 2027-2031, which will keep the event in the city where it has been held since 2021.

The conference conducted a year-long process to evaluate a variety of options, including hosting events on campus, at a neutral site or a hybrid, and multiple RFPs were submitted. Atlantic City won out on the basis of its resort-style hotel options (nine resorts and nearly 18,000 rooms) and food and entertainment, and its proximity to the 13 member institutions (Canisius, Fairfield, Iona, Manhattan, Marist, Merrimack, Mount St. Mary’s, Niagara, Quinnipiac, Rider, Sacred Heart, Saint Peter’s, and Siena).

“This five-year agreement reflects the strength of our partnership with the MAAC and our shared commitment to delivering an exceptional destination experience for student-athletes, fans, and member institutions,” said Gary Musich, President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. “Atlantic City is built to host major events, and we’re excited to continue serving as the home of MAAC championships for years to come.”

Games will take place at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, which will celebrate its centennial in 1929 and is managed by Oak View Group. The venue previously hosted the Atlantic 10 men’s basketball tournament from 2007 to 2012, before striking a deal with the MAAC to host its tournaments from 2020-2022. The venue and the conference reached a one-year extension for 2023 and then a three-year extension, keeping the event in Atlantic City through 2026 and leading to this new deal.

Only the top 10 teams in the conference will qualify for the tournament. The women’s championship game will take place on March 9. The men’s title game will be held the next day and air live on either ESPN or ESPN2 as part of the network’s Championship Week.

“Atlantic City’s long-term investment in the MAAC Basketball Championships gives us the ability to continue elevating the Conference’s marquee event and delivering an outstanding experience for our student-athletes, member institutions, and fans,” said MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci. “Having a confirmed host for the next five years allows us to plan with confidence, innovate, and build on the momentum we’ve established. Coupled with an earlier championship window and primetime coverage on ESPN/ESPN2, this agreement represents a major step forward in elevating the quality and visibility of our marquee event.”