Bradley University to host 2026 Red-White Showcase on October 12-13

Bradley University will host the 2026 Red‑White Showcase at Renaissance Coliseum on Oct. 12‑13, featuring both the men’s and women’s basketball teams in a double‑header format that opens the non‑conference slate for the Braves. The event, billed as a “home‑team” exhibition, will pit Bradley’s squads against two regional opponents each night, giving fans a first look at the rosters before conference play begins in late December.

The showcase arrives at a turning point for Bradley basketball. The men’s program, which posted a 19‑13 record and a second‑round NIT appearance last season, hired former assistant coach Matt Baker as head coach in March, hoping to revitalize a team that missed the MVC tournament for the first time in a decade. The women’s side, under third‑year head coach Lisa Morrison, posted a 14‑16 record and is looking to improve its standing after a series of close losses. Both coaches view the Red‑White games as a chance to evaluate new transfers, freshmen, and the impact of recent rule changes that allow an extra scholarship for graduate transfers. Athletic Director Jeff Harris said the event also serves as a recruiting showcase, inviting high‑school prospects to see the renovated Coliseum and the program’s community support. Tickets go on sale next week, with a family‑friendly price of $15 for a single game and $25 for a two‑day pass, and local businesses are sponsoring halftime activities.

The outcomes of the showcase will shape the Braves’ early‑season rankings and set the tone for MVC play. A strong showing could boost the men’s team’s RPI and improve its case for an at‑large NCAA tournament bid, while the women’s squad hopes to secure a better seed in the MVC tournament. After the two‑day event, the Braves will travel to face a Power Five opponent in late November, a test that will further gauge the progress made in October. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see whether the new coaching hires can translate preseason promise into a competitive season.