Villanova will leave the Big 5 Classic after the 2026-27 season.
In a statement released Thursday, Saint Joseph’s University confirmed there will be a new scheduling format for the Big 5, beginning with the 2027-2028 season, once the Wildcats are out.
“These institutions are united in their commitment to preserving the history and enhancing the future of Philadelphia’s Big 5. The round-robin format represents a revival of the competitive spirit that has defined the city’s college basketball landscape for more than 70 years, while also preserving the future of a uniquely Philadelphia partnership.
“With five Division I programs located within a 10-mile radius, the schools remain in a unique position in college basketball. Resumption of a consistent round-robin format, including home and away competitions, will maintain traditional rivalries while providing valuable schedule stability in an increasingly complex Division I environment.
“In recent years, the changing landscape of the NCAA has prompted institutions to evaluate how their athletics programs align with broader institutional priorities. After extensive discussions and consideration of the interests and goals of everyone involved, the decision was made to move forward with Philadelphia’s Men’s Big 5 Championship format without the participation of Villanova.”
Villanova said in a statement that it has “great respect for the history and tradition of the Big 5.” However, Villanova said he felt it was in the program’s “best interest” to move forward after schools failed to reach “unanimity on a new programming format starting in 2027.”
The Big 5 Classic traditionally brings together the biggest basketball schools in Philadelphia: Drexel, La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph’s, Temple and Villanova.
THE Philadelphia Investigator‘s Jeff Neiburg first reported last December that “financial concerns” could reshape the annual event in the future.
For Villanova in particular, the question arises whether the venture was worth it.
“When you play 20 conference games, playing an A-10 road game every year is really tough,” coach Kevin Willard said. “You’re also taking away a home game when revenue has become extremely important.”
Other market factors could hurt the Big 5 Classic.
Villanova is head and shoulders better than its Philadelphia brethren, and young fans won’t remember the days when the other five were regular NCAA Tournament participants.
La Salle didn’t even manage to sell out its game against the Wildcats last season, with 2,653 spectators present for the occasion.
Many traditions are being abandoned in college basketball and football due to conference realignment, scheduling and revenue issues, and an increased emphasis on the playoffs.
The Big 5 Classic isn’t immune to any of this, and there may come a time when the shared connection between the Philly Big 5 becomes a relic of the past.
Gn sports
