The Elmhurst University men’s basketball team has been selected to compete in the inaugural NABC Division III Tournament – Las Vegas presented by D3hoops.com, one of two premier national events created by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) for the 2026-27 season.

The first event, to be held Dec. 21-22, will feature eight of the nation’s top Division III programs divided into two four-team brackets. Bracket 1 includes the University of Chicago, Keene State College, Randolph-Macon College and Wabash College, while Bracket 2 consists of Elmhurst University, Emory University, University of Redlands and Trine University.

“We are thrilled to be part of this historic event,” said Elmhurst head coach John Baines. “Partnering with the NABC and these nationally recognized teams is an unbelievable opportunity for our program.”

The Bluejays will open tournament play on Monday, Dec. 21, against Emory in the semifinal round of Bracket 2. The opposite semifinal features the Redlands and Trine. Winners will advance to the championship game on Dec. 22, while the remaining teams will meet in the consolation game.

“We are flattered by our invitation to this inaugural event,” Baines said. “Our players are going to have a first-class experience, and our fans are going to be treated to some high-level competition. This should be the premier Division III event of the season.”

The NABC also announced a second inaugural Division III Tournament, which will take place Jan. 1-2, 2027, in San Antonio, Texas, featuring Wheaton College (Ill.), Williams College, Hardin-Simmons University, Johns Hopkins University, Clarkson University, Washington University in St. Louis, Trinity (Texas) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Specific game times, ticket information, venue details and broadcast information will be announced by the NABC at a later date.