ESPN Events Invitational features St. Bonaventure and Akron men's basketball teams

The 2026 ESPN Events Invitational will be held at State Farm Field House within the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida, during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 23‑25). Six Division I programs are slated to compete: St. Bonaventure, which will be led by first‑year head coach Mike MacDonald, the University of Akron, coached by newly promoted Dustin Ford, Appalachian State, Belmont, Wright State and Yale.

St. Bonaventure’s Bonnies finished the prior season 17‑17, while Akron’s Zips entered the tournament after a 29‑6 campaign and three straight NCAA tournament appearances. The invitational offers early‑season matchups for the teams and provides fans with pre‑sale ticket access through the event’s website.