ESPN
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 05:43 PM1 min readVerified Wire
Villanova's Exit Ends Philadelphia Big 5 Basketball Series Tradition, Format Shifts to Five-Team Round-Robin
Archived syndication image from ESPN Direct Publisher Wire
Villanova University announced it will withdraw from Philadelphia's Big 5 college basketball series following the conclusion of the current season, bringing an end to one of the city's most storied intercollegiate rivalries. The decision, revealed by ESPN, means the traditional eight-team format will dissolve, making way for a five-team round-robin competition beginning next season.
The Big 5, founded in 1955, has long served as the cornerstone of Philadelphia's basketball identity, featuring the city's five major NCAA Division I programs. Villanova's inclusion has been a constant since the series' modern era, with the Wildcats capturing numerous championships and contributing to the league's national reputation. The departure represents the most significant shakeup to the format in decades, as the remaining institutions prepare to rebrand the competition without their fellow Philadelphia rival.
ESPN reports that Villanova athletic officials cited scheduling realignment and conference realignments as primary drivers, while the remaining programs expressed a mix of loss and optimism for the new format. A source close to the Big 5 athletic directors, speaking on condition of anonymity, called the development a bittersweet moment, saying Villanova's impact on the series both competitively and culturally has been immeasurable.
Starting next season, the Big 5 will operate as a five-team round-robin, with Temple, Penn, St. Joseph's, La Salle and one remaining program comprising the core competition. Analysts suggest the shift could alter recruiting dynamics and postseason positioning for the remaining schools, while also signaling a broader trend of traditional regional series adapting to modern conference realignment pressures. The league's governing body is expected to unveil the official schedule and branding in the coming weeks.