MACOMB, IL- The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Board of Presidents has announced an agreement to continue hosting the OVC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, through the 2032 Championship.

The Ford Center has served as the home of the OVC Basketball Championships since 2018. In 2023, the OVC extended its deal through 2026 with an option for 2027. This newly announced five-year extension ensures that Evansville will remain the site of the conference's marquee basketball event well into the next decade.

"The OVC is delighted to extend our partnership with the Evansville Regional Sports Commission and the Ford Center to continue hosting the OVC Basketball Championships in Evansville through 2032," said OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. "We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we receive from local leaders led by Mayor Stephanie Terry, Evansville Regional Sports Commission Executive Director Brandon McClish, Ford Center Executive Director Scott Schoenike, and Local Organizing Committee chairs Jim Sandgren and Steve Schaffer. The OVC family truly loves bringing our marquee event to this community each year—it's like coming home. Given the warm welcome from the community, the exceptional venue, and Hoosier hospitality, this experience ensures we are providing OVC student-athletes with an exemplary championship experience fitting with the OVC's rich history of committing to excellence."

"Evansville is excited to continue our partnership with the Ohio Valley Conference through 2032," said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. "The Ford Center has proven itself as a premier venue, and hosting the OVC has become a true point of pride for our city. I'm proud of the strong relationships we've built with the OVC, and I look forward to seeing the players, coaches, parents, and fans fill our hotels, our local restaurants, coffee shops, and other downtown businesses for years to come."

"We are thrilled to keep the Ohio Valley Conference Basketball Championships right here in Evansville through 2032," said Brandon McClish, Executive Director of the Evansville Regional Sports Commission. "This isn't just an extension—it's a true testament to the partnership between the OVC and our city. Evansville has become part of the OVC family, and that's only possible because of the incredible people and groups who keep rolling out the red carpet for student-athletes, fans, and families year after year—Mayor Terry's office, Downtown Evansville, our Local Organizing Committee, EVSC, E-REP, Explore Evansville, our hotel partners… the list goes on. This extension continues to show why Evansville is a true Championship City."

Western Illinois Director of Athletics Paul Bubb shared excitement for the announcement, noting the stability and experience the venue brings to the event.

"Extending our conference agreement with the Ford Center and the city of Evansville will provide a great championship environment for both our men's and women's basketball teams, but more importantly, for our fans who make the trip over to this very special event. The arena provides a great championship environment, and the city is truly welcoming with accommodations as well as great restaurants and entertainment options in addition to the tournament."

WIU Men's Basketball Head Coach Chad Boudreau echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the Ford Center atmosphere for teams and fans.

"We're excited that the OVC Tournament will continue to call Evansville home. It's a great city that takes pride in hosting, and our players, staff, and fans from Western Illinois have really enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere, organization, and community support make it a first-class event that our program looks forward to being part of."

The Ford Center, which opened in November 2011, is an 11,000-seat arena located in the heart of downtown Evansville. The 290,000-square-foot facility serves as home to the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League and the University of Evansville men's basketball team. The venue also hosts a variety of major sporting events and concerts throughout the year.

The 2019 OVC Championships saw record-breaking attendance at the Ford Center, with the men's semifinals drawing 8,294 fans—a conference neutral-site record that was surpassed the following night with an attendance of 10,525.

The OVC Basketball Tournament is the fourth-oldest Division I Championship in the nation. The men's tournament will celebrate its 63rd edition this year, while the women's championship will be held for the 46th time.

This year's OVC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships are scheduled for March 4–7, 2026.