ALBANY, N.Y. – The America East and Metro Conference (formerly known as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) announced the complete schedule for the inaugural America East–Metro Basketball Challenge, a new early-season event set to debut during the opening week of the 2026-27 men's and women's basketball seasons.
 
As part of the Challenge, both UAlbany men's and women's basketball programs will face a pair of Metro Conference opponents, including one home and one road contest.
 
The UAlbany men's basketball team will open the Challenge on the road against Manhattan on Thursday, Nov. 5, before returning to Broadview Center to host Merrimack on Sunday, Nov. 8.
 
The women's basketball team will host Manhattan on Thursday, Nov. 5, before traveling to Mount St. Mary's on Sunday, Nov. 8.
 
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our program, our conference, and college basketball fans in the Northeast," said Men's Basketball Head Coach Dwayne Killings. "The America East and Metro are two leagues with a long history of producing outstanding teams, coaches, and storied rivalries. As scheduling continues to evolve across the country, events like this are important for mid-major basketball because they showcase the quality of play that exists in our region. We're excited to represent UAlbany and the America East while continuing to build the rich tradition of college basketball within the Northeast corridor."
 
Newly appointed Women's Basketball Head Coach Kelly Morrone added "This is a great collaboration between two conferences that really emphasize the substantial impact student-athletes can have beyond what they can do on the court."
 
The America East–Metro Basketball Challenge, unveiled in July 2025, will debut during the 2026-27 season as part of a two-year partnership between the conferences. As the first challenge of its kind between two Northeast-based Division I leagues, the event highlights a natural collaboration between conferences that share a regional footprint, broadcast partner in ESPN, sponsorship representation through Van Wagner, and men's basketball officiating coordinator.
 
UAlbany Challenge Schedule
Men's Basketball
Thursday, Nov. 5
UAlbany at Manhattan
 
Sunday, Nov. 8
Merrimack at UAlbany
 
Women's Basketball
Thursday, Nov. 5
Manhattan at UAlbany
 
Sunday, Nov. 8
UAlbany at Mount St. Mary's
 
Full Men's Schedule:  
 

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Vermont at Fairfield

NJIT at Iona

UAlbany at Manhattan

UMBC at Marist

UMass Lowell at Merrimack

Bryant at Quinnipiac

New Hampshire at Rider

Maine at Sacred Heart

Binghamton at Saint Peter's

 

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Rider at Binghamton

Fairfield at Bryant

Manhattan at Maine

Sacred Heart at New Hampshire

Saint Peter's at NJIT

Merrimack at UAlbany

Marist at UMass Lowell

Quinnipiac at Vermont

 

Monday, November 16, 2026

Iona at UMBC

 
Full Women's Schedule:
 

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Marist at Bryant

Siena at Maine

Canisius at New Hampshire

Merrimack at NJIT

Manhattan at UAlbany

Niagara at UMass Lowell

Mount St. Mary's at UMBC

Quinnipiac at Vermont

 

Friday, November 6, 2026

Binghamton at Fairfield

 

Sunday, November 8, 2026

UMass Lowell at Canisius

Vermont at Fairfield

Bryant at Manhattan

NJIT at Marist

Maine at Merrimack

UAlbany at Mount St. Mary's

New Hampshire at Niagara

UMBC at Quinnipiac

Binghamton at Siena

 
For the complete men's and women's America East–Metro Basketball Challenge schedule, visit the America East Conference website.
 
Men's Basketball Social Central: Stay up to date with UAlbany men's basketball by following the team on X, Instagram, and Facebook for all of the latest news and highlights throughout the year. 

Women's Basketball Social Central: Keep up with all of the latest news, highlights, and insights on UAlbany women's basketball by following the team on X, Instagram, and Facebook.