Here’s the 2026 NEC Men’s basketball tournament schedule & bracket for you. The 2026 Northeast Conference (NEC) Men’s Basketball Tournament tips off on March 4, as the top eight teams from the 10-member conference compete for the automatic bid to the NCAA March Madness Tournament. All games are single-elimination and hosted at the home courts of the higher-seeded teams, with reseeding after the quarterfinals to create balanced semifinal matchups.
As of February 18, 2026, the regular season is nearing its conclusion (ending February 28), and seeds remain projected based on current conference standings. The tournament champion earns the NEC’s automatic qualifier (AQ) to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Your printable bracket is available below (or as a PDF download). Use it to track the action once seeds are finalized and games begin.
2026 NEC Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule Format
Here’s the 2026 NEC Men’s basketball tournament schedule format and more for you.
- Teams: Top 8 from the 10 NEC members (based on conference winning percentage; tiebreakers include head-to-head, etc.).
- Structure: Single-elimination bracket with reseeding after quarterfinals (highest remaining seed vs. lowest, etc., for fairer semis).
- Sites: All rounds at campus sites of the higher-seeded teams.
- Dates: Quarterfinals (Wednesday, March 4), Semifinals (Saturday, March 7), Championship (Tuesday, March 10).
- TV/Streaming: Early rounds on ESPN+; Championship on ESPN2 or ESPNU (TBD by NEC/ESPN).
- Qualifiers: Automatic NCAA bid for the champion.
Participating Teams
The 10 NEC teams for 2025-26: Central Connecticut, Chicago State, FDU, Le Moyne, LIU, Mercyhurst, New Haven, Saint Francis, Stonehill, Wagner. Only the top 8 advance (final qualifiers and seeds locked after regular season ends February 28). Non-qualifiers sit out.
2026 NEC Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule
Here’s the 2026 NEC Men’s Basketball Tournament schedule for you. All times Eastern (ET); games at higher seed’s home arena. Times and TV subject to final confirmation closer to the event.
Quarterfinals – Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Game 1: #8 seed at #1 seed – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Game 2: #7 seed at #2 seed – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Game 3: #6 seed at #3 seed – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Game 4: #5 seed at #4 seed – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Semifinals – Saturday, March 7, 2026
(Reseeded based on quarterfinal winners; at higher remaining seeds’ homes)
- Semifinal 1: Highest remaining seed vs. Lowest remaining seed – 1:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Semifinal 2: Second-highest remaining seed vs. Second-lowest remaining seed – 4:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Championship – Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Championship Game: Semifinal winners (at higher remaining seed’s home) – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPNU)
Printable 2026 NEC Men’s Basketball Tournament Bracket
Here’s the printable 2026 NEC Men’s Basketball tournament bracket. You can download and print the PDF from the league’s site here.
Projected Seeds & Storylines (As of February 18, 2026)
Seeds are projections based on current conference records (subject to change with final games):
- LIU Sharks (strong lead in standings)
- Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- Le Moyne Dolphins
- Mercyhurst Lakers
- FDU Knights
- New Haven Chargers
- Stonehill Skyhawks
- Saint Francis Red Flash
Non-qualifiers projected: Wagner, Chicago State.
Key notes: LIU favored for top seed; CCSU and Le Moyne in tight race for high seeds; potential for underdog runs in a reseeded format. Final seeds/seeding announced post-regular season.
Viewing & Coverage
- Streaming: ESPN+ for quarterfinals and semifinals (subscription required); check NEC Front Row for any free options.
- TV: Championship expected on ESPN2 for broader exposure.
- Live Updates: NECSports.com, ESPN app, or follow along here for real-time scores, bracket fills, and highlights.
- Tickets: Purchase via host school athletic sites
College Basketball Postseason Resources
- Championship Week 2026 – All Conference Tournaments Guide
- Printable 2026 March Madness Bracket
