LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawks are one of four programs who have agreed to play in The Invitational, a doubleheader at the Sanford Pentagon in November of each of the next two seasons.
Kansas will be joined by Nebraska, Minnesota and Kansas State in the event. On Nov. 14, 2026, the Jayhawks will face Nebraska while Minnesota squares off with Kansas State. On Nov. 6, 2027, Kansas meets Minnesota while Nebraska takes on Kansas State. Broadcast information, game times, and ticket information will be determined at a later date.
“These four programs represent some of the best women’s basketball in the country,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “All four schools have tremendous players, coaching staffs, and fanbases within driving distance of Sioux Falls. We’re grateful to be able to host them for the next two years at the Sanford Pentagon.”The doubleheaders in 2026 and 2027 are the renewal of The Invitational, which the Sanford Pentagon has hosted twice previously. In a 2021 doubleheader, South Carolina defeated South Dakota, while Arizona topped Louisville. In 2022, it featured a single game where South Carolina returned to Sioux Falls and defeated South Dakota State. Those two events featured six future WNBA first round draft picks and four nationally ranked teams.
By competing in The Invitational, Kansas will make its second and third all-time appearances at the Sanford Pentagon. The Jayhawks previously suffered a 71-58 defeat against Iowa on Nov. 20, 2024.
"We are excited to take our team back to the Sanford Pentagon the next two years,” Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider said. “It is a terrific venue, and we will have a chance to compete against two Big Ten programs. We always set out to schedule strong non-conference games to help prepare our team for Big 12 play, and there's no doubt that games against Nebraska and Minnesota will do that for us."