EDISON, NJ– The America East Conference and Metro Conference announced the participating schools and the full schedule of games for the inaugural America East – Metro Basketball Challenge on Monday, set for the start of the 2026 men's and women's basketball seasons. 
 
The America East – Metro Basketball Challenge will feature nine men's and nine women's teams from each conference with games taking place Thursday, November 5 through Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the exception of Iona at UMBC which will be occur on Monday, November 16. Teams will play two games – one at home and one on the road – against opponents from the opposing conference. Game times will be determined by the host institution.
 
The Rider University men's basketball team will host New Hampshire in Alumni Gym Nov. 5 before visiting Binghamton on Nov. 8.
 
In July of 2025 both Conference announced the creation of a basketball challenge, a new early season showcase that is part of a two-year agreement for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. This will be the first ever basketball challenge between two Northeast-based Division I leagues. Sharing a regional footprint, a mutual broadcast partner in ESPN, a common sponsorship rights holder in Van Wagner, and the same men's basketball officiating coordinator, the Challenge represents a natural and strategic collaboration.