GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota men's basketball team will once again head to Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico for the 2026 Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya over Thanksgiving. 

The men's tournament tips off Nov. 24-25 with six programs confirmed and two spots still to be filled, featuring one cross-play game in the U.S. plus two bracket play games in Mexico. Detroit Mercy, North Dakota, Northern Colorado and Southeastern Louisiana make up the Mayan Division. Kennesaw State and UTEP are set for the Riviera Division, with two programs to be announced. On the women's side, the event runs Nov. 26-28. Georgia and Oregon headline a Mayan Tournament field that operates as a four-team, three-game round robin, with two programs still to be confirmed. Kansas, Miami (OH), Minnesota and Washington State are locked into the six-team Riviera Tournament, which plays two games in Mexico, joined by two additional programs to be announced.

This will be the second time that North Dakota has been included in the field, having made the trip in 2024. 

Additional team announcements, scheduling details and broadcast information will be released on the event website as the field is finalized: Cancun Challenge. 

Fan packages are available for those looking to make a week of it — warm weather, world-class resort amenities and high-level college basketball all in one place: Fan Packages – Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

For more information on North Dakota men's basketball, follow on social media @UNDmbasketball or visit FightingHawks.com.