25 Years Is Way Too Long: Mizzou & SLU Are Back, And Missouri Fans Are About To Lose It

Holy smokes, college basketball fans, get ready! This isn't about our Huskies, but it's massive news for hoops nation, and it shows you how important rivalries are. The University of Missouri and Saint Louis University just dropped a bombshell announcement: they are squaring off for the next three seasons, kicking off November 6, 2026. And get this, all the action is going down at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. If you know anything about in-state bragging rights, you know this is about to be pure fire!

The Coaches Spilled The Tea, And They Are HYPED

You can tell how big this is just by listening to the head honchos. Mizzou head coach Dennis Gates didn't mince words, saying, "Rivalries are what make college basketball so special." He’s absolutely right. He’s pumped for the fans, the alumni, the students, everyone in Missouri to see these two go head-to-head. Gates and Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz apparently made it their mission from day one to get this series done, recognizing it's been way too long since they last played. They got it across the finish line, and honestly, good for them!

Coach Schertz echoed that sentiment, calling it "not just a win for both basketball programs, but for basketball fans across the city of St. Louis and the state of Missouri as well." He knows the history, and he's glad Coach Gates sees that this is the perfect moment for both programs to bring this series back. Talk about building something special! These guys are clearly on the same page about what this means for college basketball.

A Rivalry Reborn: Why This Is So Much Bigger Than Just Three Games

Here’s why this is such a big deal, and why fans are going to go absolutely bonkers: these two teams haven’t played each other since 2001. Think about that for a second. That's a quarter-century! And if you look even further back, they’ve only played three times in the last 45 years. That’s insane! For a state with so much basketball passion, that kind of gap is a crime.

But now? We’re getting three straight seasons of intense matchups, all in a major arena. This isn't just renewing an old series, it's about building a legitimate, fierce rivalry for a new generation of fans. When that ball tips off on November 6, 2026, at Enterprise Center, it’s going to be electric. Every game will matter, every possession will be fought over, and you know both sides will be playing for bragging rights that will last far longer than just the final buzzer. Get ready, Missouri, it’s about to be a wild ride!

DFS Pick'em

📋 Chalkboard: 100% Deposit Match Up to $100 + a Free Square on Your First Entry

Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.

👉 Double your first deposit on Chalkboard

Sponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.