The 2026 Patriot League Men’s Basketball tournament schedule is held on campus sites this postseason. The 2026 PenFed Credit Union Patriot League Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off on March 3, as the top teams from the 10-member conference compete for the automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA March Madness Tournament. All games are single-elimination and hosted at the home courts of the higher-seeded teams, with the format featuring first-round games for the lower seeds, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship.
As of February 18, 2026, the regular season is ongoing (nearing completion in late February), and seeds remain projected based on current conference standings. Navy leads with a strong 13-1 record in league play, positioning them as the clear favorite for the No. 1 seed. The tournament winner earns the Patriot League’s automatic qualifier (AQ) to the NCAA Tournament-look for competitive action and potential upsets in this mid-major conference.
2026 Patriot League Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule Format
Here’s the 2026 Patriot League Men’s basketball tournament schedule format for you.
- Teams: All 10 Patriot League members participate, but the bottom two seeds (9 and 10) play in first-round games; top 8 advance effectively into quarterfinals.
- Structure: Single-elimination; higher seeds host throughout; no reseeding mentioned-standard bracket progression.
- Sites: Campus sites of the higher-seeded teams for all rounds.
- Dates: First Round (Tuesday, March 3), Quarterfinals (Thursday, March 5), Semifinals (Sunday, March 8), Championship (Wednesday, March 11).
- TV/Streaming: Early rounds on ESPN+; Semifinals and Championship on CBSSN (CBS Sports Network).
- Qualifiers: Automatic NCAA bid for the champion.
2026 Patriot League Tournament Participating Teams
The 10 Patriot League teams for 2025-26: American, Army West Point, Boston University, Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh, Loyola Maryland, Navy.
All teams are eligible, with seeds determined by final conference records (tiebreakers via head-to-head, etc.). Final seeds locked after the regular season concludes (late February).
2026 Patriot League Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule
Here’s the 2026 Patriot League Men’s basketball Tournament schedule. All times Eastern (ET); games at higher seed’s home arena. Times TBA (to be announced closer to the event); check PatriotLeague.org for updates.
First Round – Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Game 1: No. 10 seed at No. 7 seed – TBA (ESPN+)
- Game 2: No. 9 seed at No. 8 seed – TBA (ESPN+)
Quarterfinals – Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Game 3: Winner of Game 2 (9/8) at No. 1 seed – TBA (ESPN+)
- Game 4: Winner of Game 1 (10/7) at No. 2 seed – TBA (ESPN+)
- Game 5: No. 6 seed at No. 3 seed – TBA (ESPN+)
- Game 6: No. 5 seed at No. 4 seed – TBA (ESPN+)
Semifinals – Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Semifinal 1: Winner of Game 3/4/etc. (higher remaining seed hosts) – TBA (CBSSN)
- Semifinal 2: Remaining semifinal matchup – TBA (CBSSN)
Championship – Wednesday, March 11, 2026
- Championship Game: Semifinal winners (higher remaining seed hosts) – TBA (CBSSN)
Printable 2026 Patriot League Men’s Basketball Tournament Bracket
Here’s the printable 2026 Patriot League Men’s basketball tournament bracket for you.
Projected Seeds & Storylines (As of February 18, 2026)
Seeds are projections based on current conference records (subject to change with final games):
- Navy Midshipmen (13-1 PL, dominant lead)
- Colgate Raiders (10-5 PL)
- Lehigh Mountain Hawks (8-6 PL) 4-10: American, Boston University, Bucknell, Lafayette, Loyola Maryland, Holy Cross, Army West Point (tight mid-pack battles)
Key notes: Navy is the heavy favorite with a winning streak and strong defense; Colgate remains a threat; lower seeds could produce upsets in the play-in round. Final seeds announced post-regular season.
Viewing & Coverage
- Streaming: ESPN+ for first round and quarterfinals (subscription required).
- TV: Semifinals and Championship on CBSSN for national broadcast.
- Live Updates: PatriotLeague.org, ESPN app, or follow here for real-time scores, bracket fills, and highlights.
- Tickets: Available via host school athletic sites-home-court advantage is huge in this format!
College Basketball Postseason Resources
- Championship Week 2026 – All Conference Tournaments Guide
- Printable 2026 March Madness Bracket
