The Illinois women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season, with their first major challenge set to take place in the picturesque setting of The Bahamas. The Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship will see the Illini take on Marquette and Saint Joseph’s in a series of high-stakes games.
This prestigious tournament, scheduled for November 27-29, 2026 will be held at the stunning Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center in Nassau. The event promises not only thrilling basketball action but also a luxurious backdrop, making it a must-attend for fans and athletes alike.
The Tournament Schedule and Matchups
The Illini will kick off their tournament journey on November 27 with a match against Marquette at 10 a.m. CT. Following this intense opener, they will face Saint Joseph’s on November 29 also starting at 10 a.m. CT. The tournament format ensures that each of the six participating teams will play twice during the event, providing ample opportunities for competitive showdowns.
Joining Illinois, Marquette, and Saint Joseph’s in the tournament are USCIowa StateBelmont and Illinois. This diverse field includes three teams that advanced to the 2026 NCAA Tournament adding to the competitive spirit of the event.
The Luxurious Baha Mar Resort
The Baha Mar resort serves as the perfect backdrop for this basketball showcase. Spanning over 1,000 acres and overlooking Nassau’s famous turquoise waters, the resort offers a luxurious experience with more than 2,300 rooms across three hotels: Grand HyattSLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar.
Beyond the basketball courts, the resort boasts a plethora of amenities, including the largest casino in the Caribbean, a $200 million luxury water park, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and the Caribbean’s first and only flagship ESPA Spa. With a collection of over 45 restaurants and lounges, guests are sure to enjoy a memorable stay.
Baha Mar Hoops: A Tradition of Excellence
The Baha Mar Hoops tournament is an annual highlight in the college basketball calendar. Each November, around the Thanksgiving holiday, the resort hosts one of the largest regular-season events, featuring 16 or more NCAA Division I men’s and women’s teams. This event has become a staple for basketball enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of competition and luxury.
In addition to the November tournament, Baha Mar hosts the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League each August. This event provides NCAA teams with the opportunity to play exhibition games against international competition as part of a foreign tour. Last month, the resort welcomed an event-record six teams, including Arkansas, Cincinnati, Louisville, Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Valparaiso.
Past participants in the summer exhibition tours include notable programs like Kentucky, Penn State, Rhode Island, and Xavier, underscoring the event’s prestige and appeal.
For the latest updates and information, fans can follow Baha Mar Hoops on social media at @BahaMarHoops on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
The Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship is organized by bdG Sports a leader in sports and entertainment event management. With a dynamic portfolio that includes basketball, professional golf, and NCAA baseball, bdG Sports has a proven track record of delivering high-profile events that captivate audiences worldwide.
