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The basics:

• Atlantic City will host MAAC men’s and women’s basketball championships from 2027–2031
• New five-year agreement  marks 2nd longest host-site partnership in MAAC championship history
• Games continue at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall with national coverage on ESPN, ESPN2
• Officials cite Atlantic City’s hotel capacity, walkability, resort amenities as key factors in the selection

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference unanimously selected Atlantic City to host its Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships from 2027 through 2031.

The five-year agreement marks the longest-term and most significant host-site partnership in MAAC Basketball Championship history. The MAAC Council of Presidents approved the deal following a year-long evaluation of championship formats and host locations.

The agreement solidifies Atlantic City’s role as a long-term home for the conference’s marquee event. Additionally, it includes a significant financial investment aimed at enhancing the championship experience for student-athletes, coaches, institutions and fans.

With this extension, Atlantic City will host the MAAC Basketball Championships for a total of 12 years, making it the second longest-running host city in conference history.

“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.

‘A major step forward’

Tellitocci said that having a confirmed host for the next five years allows the conference to plan with confidence – and innovate and build on the momentum they have 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,” said Tellitocci.

Following a review of multiple hosting models, MAAC membership determined that keeping both the men’s and women’s championships together at a single neutral site best supports a consistent, high-quality championship experience.

MAAC says Atlantic City stood out through the request for proposals process due to its full-service, resort-style hotel accommodations; nearly 18,000 hotel rooms; walkable footprint; extensive dining and entertainment options; and proximity to nearly one-third of the U.S. population.

“Atlantic City has been a great partner and an outstanding host for the MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships over the past several years,” said Matt Glovaski, chair, MAAC Committee on Athletics Administration, and Iona University’s athletic director. “Boardwalk Hall continues to provide a championship-caliber stage for our conference, and we are excited to extend this relationship and keep the MAAC in Atlantic City.”

Promising partnership

The current hosting agreement runs through this year, with the 2026 MAAC Championships scheduled for March 5–10 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

For the second straight season, the field will feature the conference’s top 10 teams. As Tellitocci noted, with the schedule shifted one week earlier, the women’s championship game will be a standalone contest March 9. While the men’s championship game airs live nationally the next day, March 10, on ESPN or ESPN2.

Atlantic City has hosted the tournament since 2020. Officials expressed excitement about the extension of this partnership.

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.
— Gary Musich, president and CEO, Visit Atlantic City

“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, 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.”

“In partnership with Visit Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Sports Commission, and with the support of the CRDA [Casino Reinvestment Development Authority], we are proud to continue hosting the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for the next five years,” said Jim McDonald, general manager of Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for Oak View Group. “This commitment underscores our focus on delivering a premier championship experience while showcasing elite collegiate basketball tournaments in one of only 31 host cities nationwide.”