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Columbia Business Monthly

SEC Announces Extension with Greenville as Site for Women's Basketball Tournament

Oct 16, 2024 02:32PM ● By David Dykes

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The Southeastern Conference announced a three-year extension with Greenville, South Carolina, to host the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2026, 2027 and 2028, Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Oct. 16, 2024.

Greenville previously hosted the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 and will host it in 2025. 

The tournament is played in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, a sports and entertainment venue. 

“The city of Greenville and Bon Secours Wellness Arena have proven to be successful hosts of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, and we are pleased to call Greenville home for three additional years,” Sankey said.

Sankey added, “The city’s hospitality and organization combined with the quality of the arena make Greenville an ideal location to provide a memorable experience for SEC women’s basketball student-athletes, coaches and fans.” 

“Every March since 2017, we have welcomed the Southeastern Conference to Greenville for the Women’s Basketball Tournament, and we are thrilled to announce the extension of our partnership to host the Tournament through 2028, “said Bon Secours Wellness Arena General Manager Beth Paul.

She added, “The tournament’s impact on our region is tremendous, bringing in thousands of visitors and fostering a vibrant atmosphere for local businesses.” 

VisitGreenvilleSC, the destination marketing organization for the community, works with the Greenville Arena District to bring the event to the city of Greenville. 

In the women’s tournament's history, 14 cities have hosted: Albany, Ga. (1987-1992); Athens, Ga. (1984, 1986); Baton Rouge, La.  (1981); Chattanooga, Tenn. (1993-1997, 1999-2000); Columbus, Ga. (1998); Duluth, Ga. (2007, 2010, 2013, 2014); Greenville, S.C. (2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024); Jacksonville, Fla. (2016); Knoxville, Tenn. (1980, 1983); Lexington, Ky. (1982); Oxford,  Miss. (1985); Memphis, Tenn. (2001); Nashville, Tenn. (2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2022); and North Little Rock, Ark. (2003,  2006, 2009, 2015).