Washington, Washington State men won’t play in 2026-27 regular season

One of the oldest rivalries in college basketball is taking an indefinite break. The University of Washington and Washington State University have confirmed they will not play each other during the 2026-27 men’s basketball regular season. This development marks a significant shift for two programs with deep histories on the court.

The decision comes after a report from the Spokesman-Review initially indicated the two teams would not meet for a regular-season contest. This information was subsequently verified by sources at the Seattle Times. The rivalry, long considered a cornerstone of regional sports, now faces a pause that leaves fans without one of the most anticipated matchups on the schedule.

Changes in conference alignment and scheduling pressures across the NCAA have altered the landscape for many historic programs. For players and coaches, this change represents the loss of a traditional clash that has spanned decades. The removal of this game from the 2026-27 docket reflects the shifting nature of non-conference scheduling requirements and the evolving priorities of athletic departments in a new era of collegiate sports.

While the series is not officially terminated for all time, the absence of a game in the upcoming season is a notable break. Supporters of both teams are now looking at different matchups as the athletic departments continue to shape their future calendars. As of now, there is no official word on whether the series will return to the regular-season schedule in future years.