Villanova Exits Philadelphia's Big 5, New Scheduling Format Announced for 2027-28 Season

Villanova will be exiting the Big 5 Classic following the 2026-27 season.

In a statement released on Thursday, Saint Joseph's University confirmed there will be a new scheduling format for the Big 5, beginning with the 2027-28 season, once the Wildcats exit.

"These institutions are united in their commitment to preserving the history and enhancing the future of the Philadelphia Big 5. The round-robin format represents a renewal of the competitive spirit that has defined the city's college basketball landscape for more than 70 years, while also preserving the future of a partnership that is distinctively Philadelphia.

"With five Division I programs located within a 10-mile radius, the schools remain uniquely positioned in collegiate basketball. The resumption of a consistent round-robin format, featuring both home and away contests, will sustain traditional rivalries while providing valuable scheduling stability in an increasingly complex Division I environment.

"In recent years, the evolving NCAA landscape has prompted institutions to evaluate how their athletics programs align with broader institutional priorities. Following thoughtful discussions and consideration of the interests and goals of all involved, the decision was made to move forward with the Men's Philadelphia Big 5 championship format without Villanova's participation."

Villanova said in a statement that it has "great respect for the history and tradition of the Big 5." However, Villanova said it felt it was in the "best interests" of the program to move on after the schools failed to reach "unanimity on a new scheduling format beginning in 2027."

The Big 5 Classic traditionally brings together the biggest basketball schools in Philadelphia: Drexel, La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph's, Temple, and Villanova.

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff Neiburg first reported last December that "financial concerns" might reshape the annual event moving forward.

For Villanova in particular, there's a question of whether the venture was ultimately worth it.

"When you play 20 conference games, playing an A-10 road game every year is really difficult," coach Kevin Willard said. "You're also taking away a home game when revenue has become extremely important."

Other market factors might be hurting the Big 5 Classic.

Villanova is head and shoulders better than its Philly brethren, and younger fans won't have a recollection of a time when the other five were regularly making the NCAA tournament.

La Salle couldn't even draw a sellout for its matchup with the Wildcats last season, with 2,653 fans on hand for the occasion.

A lot of traditions are falling by the wayside in college basketball and football thanks to conference realignment, scheduling/revenue concerns and an increased emphasis on the postseason.

The Big 5 Classic isn't immune from all of that, and there may come a time when the shared connection between the Philly Big 5 becomes a remnant of the past.