The Drake University men's basketball season for 2025–26 has officially concluded. As of late April 2026, the Bulldogs are currently in the off-season period, following a competitive campaign in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). Fans looking for the immediate next game will find the calendar clear until the fall of 2026, as the athletic department prepares for the upcoming 2026–27 academic year.

College basketball schedules typically follow a predictable release cycle. While the finalized dates for the 2026–27 season are not yet public, historical patterns suggest that non-conference match-ups are announced in late summer, followed by the full conference slate in early autumn. This transition period is essential for roster building through recruiting and the transfer portal, ensuring the program remains a dominant force in the MVC.

Current Schedule Status for the Drake Bulldogs

The primary focus for Drake basketball supporters right now is the transition to the 2026–2027 season. The 2025–26 season provided high-octane basketball in Des Moines, but with the conclusion of the MVC Tournament (Arch Madness) and post-season play in March and early April, the team is no longer active on the court.

For those planning ahead, it is important to note that Drake basketball games primarily take place at the Knapp Center on the university's campus in Des Moines, Iowa. The off-season is the optimal time for fans to review season ticket renewal options or join the waitlist for premium seating, as the Bulldogs have seen a significant surge in attendance over the past several years.

Official announcements regarding the 2026–27 schedule are expected to begin trickling out in July and August 2026. These initial announcements usually cover "guarantee games," multi-team tournaments (MTEs), and home-and-home series with regional rivals.

Drake Men's Basketball 2025-2026 Season Recap

The 2025–26 campaign was a testament to the program's stability and competitive edge. To understand what to expect in the next schedule, analyzing the most recent season provides valuable context regarding the caliber of opponents Drake chooses to face.

Non-Conference Performance and Key Matchups

The Bulldogs began their 2025–26 journey with an exhibition against Wichita State on October 11, followed by a high-profile start in the "Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon" in Sioux Falls on November 3 against Northern Arizona. This early-season victory set a positive tone for the non-conference slate.

Key highlights from the November and December schedule included:

  • The Home Opener: A challenging contest against Robert Morris on November 6, which drew a near-capacity crowd to the Knapp Center.
  • Regional Rivalries: Matchups against SIUE and North Dakota State emphasized Drake's commitment to playing top-tier mid-major programs.
  • The Emerald Coast Classic: During the Thanksgiving holiday window, Drake traveled to Destin, Florida, to compete against SEC power LSU and other major conference opponents like Georgia Tech or DePaul. These games are crucial for the team's NET ranking and potential NCAA Tournament at-large consideration.

The non-conference portion of the schedule concluded in mid-December with a focus on high-win teams like UAB, providing the Bulldogs with the strength of schedule needed to impress the selection committee.

Missouri Valley Conference Play and Arch Madness Results

Conference play remains the heart of the Drake basketball schedule. The MVC schedule typically features a 20-game "round-robin" format where each of the 11 teams plays others twice—once at home and once on the road.

During the 2025–26 season, the Bulldogs navigated a grueling stretch in January and February. Key matchups against the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), Bradley, and Belmont defined the top of the standings. The Des Moines community showed up in force for "The Valley" games, particularly the home stands against Illinois State and Murray State.

The season culminated in the MVC Tournament, affectionately known as Arch Madness, held at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis from March 5–8, 2026. Drake’s performance in St. Louis continues to be a focal point for the university, as the winner of this tournament secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

Drake Women's Basketball 2025-2026 Schedule Highlights

The Drake women’s basketball program, under consistent leadership, also completed a standout 2025–26 season. Known for their high-scoring offense and disciplined play, the women's schedule featured some of the most anticipated sporting events in Iowa.

The non-conference highlights for the women's team included:

  • Power Five Challenges: In-state showdowns against the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones remained the hardest tickets to find. These games often rotate between Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames.
  • Tournament Play: The Music City Classic in Nashville provided the Bulldogs with neutral-site experience against teams like Arkansas and Northern Kentucky.
  • Regional Dominance: Home victories over Creighton and Minnesota solidified Drake’s reputation as a regional powerhouse in women's college basketball.

Similar to the men's team, the women’s 2026–27 schedule is currently in development. Fans can expect the Missouri Valley Conference to release the women's conference schedule slightly after the men's, usually in mid-September.

The Knapp Center Game Day Experience

Attending a game on the Drake basketball schedule is more than just watching sport; it is a central social event for the Des Moines community. The Knapp Center, with a capacity of approximately 7,152, provides an intimate yet electric atmosphere.

From our observations throughout the 2025–26 season, certain aspects of the game day experience stand out for first-time visitors:

  1. The Atmosphere: Unlike larger, more cavernous arenas, the Knapp Center places fans right on top of the action. The student section, known as the "Blue Crew," maintains high energy from tip-off to the final buzzer.
  2. Spike the Bulldog: The live mascot program is a fan favorite. Seeing the real English Bulldog mascot is a tradition that resonates with families and alumni alike.
  3. Local Concessions: The arena offers a variety of local food options that reflect the culinary spirit of Central Iowa, making it a complete evening out.
  4. Accessibility: Located near downtown Des Moines, the venue is easily accessible with ample parking in surrounding university lots, though arriving 45 minutes early is recommended for high-profile MVC games.

Ticket prices during the last season began as low as $21 for select non-conference games, while marquee conference matchups often saw prices rise due to high demand. For the upcoming 2026–27 season, looking into "Mini-Packs" is a strategic way to secure seats for the biggest games without committing to a full season ticket.

Looking Ahead to the 2026-2027 Drake Basketball Schedule

With the 2025–26 season in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to the 2026–27 campaign. Building a schedule is a complex puzzle for the athletic director and coaching staff, involving television contracts, travel logistics, and competitive balancing.

When Will the New Schedule Be Released?

Based on the 2024 and 2025 release cycles, fans should mark their calendars for the following windows:

  • July 2026: Announcement of non-conference home games and holiday tournament participation.
  • August 2026: Finalization of the full non-conference slate, including road and exhibition games.
  • September 2026: The Missouri Valley Conference officially releases the 20-game conference schedule, including television assignments (ESPN+, ESPN2, and CBS Sports Network).

Anticipated Rivalries and Key Dates

The 2026–27 schedule will undoubtedly be anchored by the "I-235 Rivalry" with UNI. These games are almost always televised and often decide the regular-season MVC champion. Additionally, as Belmont and Murray State continue to integrate into the league, their trips to Des Moines are becoming "must-watch" events on the Drake calendar.

Fans should also look for Drake's involvement in early-season tournaments. The program has recently participated in the Charleston Classic and the Emerald Coast Classic; a return to a high-profile MTE in November 2026 is highly likely.

Historical Context of Drake Basketball Success

The demand for the Drake basketball schedule has increased in recent years due to the program's sustained success. Historically, Drake has a rich basketball tradition dating back to the late 1800s. The program gained national fame during their 1969 Final Four run, and in the modern era, they have become a consistent 20-win team.

In the 2024–25 season, the men's team achieved a remarkable 31–4 overall record, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level of Division I basketball. This legacy of winning has made "The Valley" one of the most respected mid-major conferences in the country, often sending multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament.

The women's program has been equally impressive, frequently winning the MVC regular-season and tournament titles. Their schedule often ranks among the toughest in the nation for a mid-major, as they rarely shy away from Top 25 opponents in their non-conference preparations.

How to Watch and Follow Drake Basketball

Even if you cannot make it to the Knapp Center, there are numerous ways to follow the Drake basketball schedule during the active season. The Missouri Valley Conference has a robust media rights deal that ensures nearly every game is available to a national audience.

  • Streaming: The vast majority of Drake games are broadcast on ESPN+ as part of the "Valley on ESPN" package. This requires a subscription but provides access to almost the entire conference season.
  • Linear TV: Marquee matchups, especially those against UNI or Bradley, are frequently picked up by ESPN2, ESPNU, or CBS Sports Network.
  • Radio: The Drake Sports Network provides live radio coverage for every game, featuring expert play-by-play and analysis, which is also available via the university's official athletics website.
  • Social Media: For real-time score updates and behind-the-scenes content, following the official team accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram is the best way to stay informed between games.

Summary

The Drake basketball schedule for the 2025–26 season has concluded, leaving the Bulldogs in a well-deserved off-season. While the 2026–27 schedule is not yet available, fans can expect the first announcements regarding the new season to occur in the summer of 2026. The 2025–26 season was marked by strong non-conference showings in Florida and Sioux Falls, followed by a competitive run in the Missouri Valley Conference. As the program continues to build on its 20-win legacy, the Knapp Center remains the premier destination for college basketball fans in Des Moines.

FAQ

What is the next game on the Drake basketball schedule? Currently, there are no scheduled games as the 2025–26 season has ended. The 2026–27 season will likely begin with an exhibition in October 2026.

When will the 2026–2027 Drake basketball schedule be released? The non-conference portion is typically announced in late summer (July/August), while the full conference schedule is released by the MVC in September.

Where can I buy tickets for Drake basketball games? Tickets can be purchased through the Drake University Athletics ticket office. Season ticket renewals usually happen in the spring and summer, with single-game tickets going on sale closer to the start of the season in October.

What conference does Drake basketball play in? Drake University is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), competing against schools like UNI, Bradley, Belmont, and Murray State.

Does Drake have both men's and women's basketball teams? Yes, Drake fields highly competitive NCAA Division I teams in both men's and women's basketball, both of which play their home games at the Knapp Center.