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HENDERSON, Nev. — The Big West announced today a multi-year extension of its partnership with Lee’s Family Forum, securing the venue as the home of the Big West Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships through March 2030, reinforcing the conference’s strong commitment to the Las Vegas/Henderson region and to delivering a premier championship experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
The extension follows overwhelming support from Big West member institutions and reflects the conference’s shared belief that Henderson offers the ideal blend of world-class facilities, financial accessibility, destination appeal, and a student-athlete-centered environment.
“Our membership is strongly aligned that Lee’s Family Forum represents the best path forward for The Big West,” said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. “From competitive amenities to fan experience to affordability, this venue checks every box. Just as important, our student-athletes consistently tell us how much they value competing here. Henderson provides a championship setting that feels special — and that matters.”
Currently, under the agreement, The Big West Basketball Championships will be held annually in March through 2030, with championship windows beginning on Monday each year — ensuring exclusive access to Lee’s Family Forum during the week leading into NCAA Selection Sunday and providing flexibility should the conference choose to expand championship dates or participating teams in the future:
The agreement also includes renewal options that could extend the partnership through 2033.
This long-term commitment reflects The Big West’s confidence in its basketball trajectory and reinforces a championship platform built not only for today’s success, but for continued growth — ensuring the conference maintains control of a premier West Coast destination as it evaluates future membership opportunities and competitive expansion.
Lee’s Family Forum, located in Henderson, has become a cornerstone of The Big West championship experience since 2022, offering a modern arena environment complemented by nearby hotels, dining, and entertainment — making it an attractive and accessible destination for campuses and traveling fans.
“We’re proud to continue building this relationship with The Big West and to host their student-athletes, coaches, and fans each March,” said Robert Foley, Chief Business Officer of Foley Entertainment Group. “The Big West Championships have become a signature event for our venue, and we look forward to creating even more memorable moments together in the years ahead.”
Big West Board Chair and CSUN President Erika D. Beck emphasized the collective institutional support behind the decision.
“This extension reflects both where Big West basketball is today and where we're headed. Our campuses are aligned in wanting a championship home that supports competitive excellence and sustainable growth, and Lee's Family Forum delivers on both fronts.”
Big West Athletic Director Chair, Long Beach State Executive Director of Athletics, Bobby Smitheran outlined the strategic nature of the agreement.
“Our focus continues to be creating a first-class championship experience for our student-athletes and Lee’s Family Forum does just that while maintaining a foothold in the March Madness environment within the Las Vegas Valley. This extension provides stability, flexibility for future growth, and a premier platform that reflects the upward trajectory of Big West basketball.”
Big West coaches were also vocal in support of the event maintaining a first-class experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
“I’m very excited to have learned that the Big West Championships will continue to be held in Henderson, Nevada at Lee’s Family Forum,” CSUN men’s basketball head coach Andy Newman said. “They are an incredible host for our Championships and they always treat our staffs, student-athletes, and fans with great class throughout the event. Lee’s Family Forum is truly a great place to start off the Madness of March for everyone involved in Big West Basketball."
“We’re thrilled that The Big West Women’s Basketball Championship will remain at Lee’s Family Forum,” UC Santa Barbara women’s head coach Renee Jimenez noted. “As The Big West continues to grow in national visibility and overall investment in women’s basketball, having a consistent championship home is incredibly important. This extension reinforces The Big West’s commitment to providing a first-class championship environment for our student-athletes while continuing to build the conference’s brand and impact on the national landscape.”
The Big West has long been a national leader in neutral-site conference championships, first hosting its men’s basketball tournament in Nevada in 1994. After returning to Southern Nevada in 2021, the move to Lee’s Family Forum in 2022 marked a new era for the conference’s signature event.
Fans planning to attend the 2026 Credit Union 1 Big West Basketball Championships, scheduled for March 11–14, can visit BigWest.org/2026 for ticket information and travel resources. Tickets are available HERE.