INDIANAPOLIS (September 17, 2026) – The Horizon League Council has approved updated #HLMBB and #HLWBB brackets for the 2027 Horizon League Basketball Championships.

Why it Matters: The updated championship format brings 11 total teams – five men and six women – to Noblesville in 2027 when #MarchStartsHere at the Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile.

Reseeding and Second Round byes for the top remaining teams in Noblesville reward regular season success and aim to protect our top seeds, best positioning the League during March Madness.

Dig Deeper: Click the links for 2026 #HLMBB and #HLWBB brackets.

• The men's championship will feature 11 teams in a similar format to the 2026 championship.
  • The championship opens with a Play-In game featuring the No. 10 seed hosting the No. 11 seed on Monday, March 1.
  • First Round action will take place on campuses on Thursday, March 4 with the five winners advancing to Noblesville.
  • The Detroit Mercy men's basketball program is not eligible for the 2027 #HLMBB championship due to NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) standards and related League operating regulations.
• The women's championship will feature all 12 teams with six teams advancing to Noblesville.
  • The championship begins on Wednesday, March 3 with the six best seeds hosting the First Round.
• The action shifts to Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile on Sunday, March 7 with two Second Round #HLWBB contests and one Second Round #HLMBB contest.
• The three best-seeded men's and two best-seeded women's teams remaining after the first round will advance to semifinal action on Monday, March 8 in Noblesville.
• The 2027 #HLMBB and #HLWBB championships will culminate on Tuesday, March 9 with teams punching their tickets to the NCAA Tournament.
• The Horizon League Council is comprised of athletics directors from all 12 institutions along with our SWA Chair, FAR Chair and a SAAC representative.
• Opened in 2025, The Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue that is home to the Noblesville Boom (Indiana Pacers NBA G League affiliate) and built for the highest level of basketball and events. Seating is approximately 3,400 fixed with flexible expansion, plus modern concourses and premium spaces. This will provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for participating teams, creating a meaningful memory of a pinnacle collegiate athletics moment.
• Groups, youth sports organizations and basketball fans interested in attending games or learning more about getting involved in Noblesville are encouraged to email Drew Naumovich (dnaumovich@horizonleague.org).
• The Horizon League is an NCAA Division I athletics conference comprised of 12 member institutions headquartered in Indianapolis. The League and our member schools develop 4,000 student-athletes for life. Through unique opportunities in major metropolitan cities, their athletic, academic and personal aspirations can be achieved. Because what they learn today will inspire who they become tomorrow. For more information, visit HorizonLeague.com.