As the anticipation builds for the upcoming college basketball season, both the men’s and women’s teams at Drexel University have unveiled their schedules for the prestigious Big 5 Classic for the 2026-27 season on September 22, 2026. This tournament has established itself as a celebrated tradition among Philadelphia’s leading basketball programs. Notably, the Big 5 now includes six schools following the addition of Drexel University’s men’s team in the 2023-24 season, marking significant milestones for collegiate basketball in Philadelphia.
Pod System for Tournament Play
The Big 5 Classic features a unique structural format where participating teams are divided into two pods, each comprised of three teams. The composition for the current season is as follows:
- Pod 1: Drexel University, Saint Joseph’s University, University of Pennsylvania
- Pod 2: Temple University, La Salle University, Villanova University
Women’s Basketball Schedule
The Drexel women’s basketball team is eager to compete in the Big 5, looking to secure their first championship title in the tournament’s history. This year’s slate includes a mix of fresh talent with new freshmen and transfer players.
The team will face off against the University of Pennsylvania on November 6, marking their second game of the season, followed by a matchup against Saint Joseph’s University at home on November 15.
The championship game for the women will take place at the Palestra, widely referred to as “the Cathedral of College Basketball,” which will host a tripleheader on December 6 to celebrate its centennial anniversary. During this event, the top seeds from each pod will compete for the championship, while the other teams will vie for third through sixth place.
Men’s Basketball Schedule
The men’s basketball team at Drexel also announced their participation in the Big 5 for the fourth consecutive year. Although they have yet to achieve higher than fifth place in past tournaments, the Dragons aim to make a stronger showing this season.
The men will kick off their Big 5 pod games against Saint Joseph’s University at the Daskalakis Athletic Center on November 20, followed by a rivalry clash with the University of Pennsylvania on November 24.
Mirroring the women’s tournament, a tripleheader for the men will be held at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 5, 2026. Students from participating schools can enjoy complimentary tickets, and shuttle services may be provided based on demand from Drexel students.
2026-27 Big 5 Schedule Overview
Women’s Schedule
- November 6 – Drexel vs. Penn at The Palestra
- November 11 – Temple vs. LaSalle at Tom Gola Arena (Pod 2)
- November 15 – Saint Joseph’s vs. Drexel at Daskalakis Athletic Center (Pod 1)
- November 18 – Penn vs. Saint Joseph’s at Michael J. Hagan Arena (Pod 1)
- November 24 – LaSalle vs. Villanova at Finneran Pavilion (Pod 2)
- December 1 – Villanova vs. Temple at Liacouras Center (Pod 2)
Men’s Schedule
- November 11 – La Salle vs. Villanova at Finneran Pavilion (Pod 2)
- November 14 – Penn vs. Saint Joseph’s at Michael J. Hagan Arena (Pod 1)
- November 15 – Temple vs. La Salle at Tom Gola Arena (Pod 2)
- November 20 – Saint Joseph’s vs. Drexel at Daskalakis Athletic Center (Pod 1)
- November 24 – Drexel vs. Penn at The Palestra (Pod 1)
- December 1 – Villanova vs. Temple at Liacouras Center (Pod 2)