UTEP men's basketball invited to 2026 Cancun Challenge

UTEP's men's basketball team has been invited to compete in the 2026 Cancun Challenge, scheduled for November 24-25 in Cancun, Mexico, according to KVIA. The Miners will conclude their participation in the multi-team event by hosting North Dakota at the Don Haskins Center on December 5.

UTEP will open the tournament against the College of Charleston on November 24. The team's second opponent on November 25 will be either Eastern Michigan or Kennesaw State, a former Conference USA rival.

Head coach Joe Golding said the tournament represents an important early-season opportunity for the program. "The opportunity to play in the Cancun Challenge is a great honor for UTEP basketball and we look forward to being tested against three quality opponents," Golding said, according to KVIA. "Many great teams have played in this MTE in the past, and we're excited to add UTEP's name to the list. It's another great chance to play on a big college basketball stage early in the season with a brand-new team."

The 2026 edition marks the 19th year of the men's tournament, which is powered by Triple Crown Sports. The event is held at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive resort where the converted ballroom hosting competition is located steps from guest rooms.

This will be UTEP's first regular-season competition outside the United States since the 2013-14 season, when the Miners participated in the Battle 4 Atlantis at Paradise Island, Bahamas.