The MAC proved an enchanting watch during the 2025-26 regular season. Its conference tournament figures to take after its predecessor in a major way.
Miami (Ohio) and Akron enjoyed glistening campaigns, posting 31-0 and 26-5 records, respectively. The RedHawks have been one of the nation’s most ruthless sides, posting an average margin of victory of more than 17 points per game. The Zips weren’t too far behind, besting 17 of their 18 in-conference foes.
Regular-season success doesn’t always pre-determine MAC tournament glory. In 2017, Kent State overcame a middling regular-season run to claim a MAC title.
Regardless of the result, the tourney figures to be filled with fireworks.
With that, here’s what you need to know about the 2026 MAC men’s basketball tournament.
MAC basketball tournament bracket 2026
Here’s a look at the seeding, bracket and regular-season records for the 2026 MAC men’s basketball tournament. Miami (Ohio) leads the way, sporting a flawless 31-0 record. Only the top eight teams make the tournament field.
| Seed | Team | Record (MAC) |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Miami | 31-0 (18-0) |
| No. 2 | Akron | 26-5 (17-1) |
| No. 3 | Kent State | 23-8 (14-4) |
| No. 4 | Toledo | 17-14 (11-7) |
| No. 5 | Bowling Green | 18-13 (9-9) |
| No. 6 | Ohio | 15-16 (9-9) |
| No. 7 | Buffalo | 17-14 (7-11) |
| No. 8 | UMass | 16-15 (7-11) |
| No. 9 | Ball State | 12-19 (7-11) |
| No. 10 | Central Michigan | 10-21 (6-12) |
| No. 11 | Western Michigan | 10-21 (4-14) |
| No. 12 | Northern Illinois | 9-21 (4-14) |
| No. 13 | Eastern Michigan | 10-21 (4-14) |
Where to watch MAC men’s basketball tournament
The first-round games will be aired exclusively on ESPN+. The action will take to CBS Sports Network during the semifinals before returning to the ESPN family of networks in the final. The championship game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Throughout the tournament, cord-cutters can find the action on the aforementioned ESPN+ or DIRECTV.
MAC men’s basketball tournament schedule 2026
- Dates: Thursday, March 12–Saturday, March 14
- Location: Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio
The MAC men’s basketball tournament kicks off on Thursday, March 12. It will conclude on Saturday, March 14.
All games will be contested at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
For a complete tournament schedule, see below.
Thursday, March 12: First Round
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1: No. 8 UMass 87, No. 1 Miami (Ohio) 83 | — | — |
| Game 2: No. 4 Toledo 77, No. 5 Bowling Green 76 | — | — |
| Game 3: No. 2 Akron 73, No. 7 Buffalo 70 | — | — |
| Game 4: No. 3 Kent State 86, No. 6 Ohio 75 | — | — |
MORE: Will Miami (Ohio) still make NCAA tournament after first defeat?
Friday, March 13: Semifinals
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Game 5: No. 4 Toledo vs. No. 8 UMass | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, DIRECTV |
| Game 6: No. 2 Akron vs. No. 3 Kent State | 7:30 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, DIRECTV |
Saturday, March 14: Championship
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Game 8: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner | 8 p.m. | ESPN2, ESPN app |
