EMMITSBURG, Md. (June 1, 2026) – Mount St. Mary's women's basketball announces their first games of the 2026-27 season, as they will take part in the inaugural America East-Metro Basketball Challenge.
 
Contests take place on Thursday, November 5 and Sunday, November 8. For the latter contest, the Mount welcomes UAlbany to Knott Arena for the Sunday showdown. The Mountaineers and Great Danes meet for the first time. On November 5, the Mount travels to UMBC for an in-state rivalry renewal with the Retrievers. This will be the 41^st meeting between the two teams.
 
In July of 2025 both conferences 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. 
 
Every Metro Conference institution will be represented in the challenge, with five schools having both men's and women's teams participating. Metro Conference contestants include Canisius University (women's), Fairfield University (both), Iona University (men's), Manhattan University (both), Marist University (both), Merrimack College (both), Mount St. Mary's University (women's), Niagara University (women's), Quinnipiac University (both), Rider University (men's), Sacred Heart University (men's), Saint Peter's University (men's), and Siena University (women's). All 18 America East men's and women's basketball programs will participate in the challenge.