CHEROKEE, N.C. – Insider Exposure is excited to officially announce the participating NCAA Division I women’s basketball programs and game schedule for the 2026 Cherokee Invitational, taking place December 20-21, 2026, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina.
The 5th annual Cherokee Invitational has become one of the best early-season holiday basketball events, bringing together outstanding programs for two days of high-level competition in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. In addition to the collegiate matchups, the event also features one of the nation’s top girls’ high school basketball showcases, creating a unique opportunity for fans, student-athletes, and college coaches to experience elite basketball throughout the weekend.
The 2026 field features four NCAA Division I programs:
- Auburn University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- University of South Florida
- University of Tulsa
2026 Cherokee Invitational Schedule
Sunday, December 20
- 6:30 p.m. EST – Tulsa vs. Middle Tennessee
- 9:00 p.m. EST – University of South Florida vs. Auburn
Monday, December 21
- 4:00 p.m. EST – Tulsa vs. Auburn
- 6:30 p.m. EST – University of South Florida vs. Middle Tennessee
Fans can expect four competitive matchups featuring programs from multiple conferences as they prepare for the second half of their seasons.
“The Cherokee Invitational continues to provide a first-class experience for both collegiate and high school programs,” said John McGraw, Insider Exposure CEO. “We are excited to welcome these outstanding universities to Cherokee and look forward to another memorable weekend of basketball.”
Additional event information, including ticket details, participating high school teams, and fan information, will be announced in the coming months.
For more information on the 2026 Cherokee Invitational, follow Insider Exposure on social media or visit the Cherokee Invitational website for updates.