Matchup Set for November 21, 2026, in Greater Palm Springs
The Acrisure Series returns to the Coachella Valley this November with one of the premier non-conference matchups in college basketball as the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team take on the Washington State Cougars men’s basketball team on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Acrisure Arena. The showcase will feature two programs expected to compete on the national stage during the 2026-27 season. With one of college basketball’s most recognizable brands in Duke, and a Washington State program continuing to build momentum, the matchup is expected to be one of the marquee early-season games in the country while bringing fans, alumni, and supporters to the Coachella Valley.
“We are thrilled to welcome Duke and Washington State to Acrisure Arena as part of the 2026 Acrisure Series,” said Total Sports Consulting President and Co-Tournament Director Dan Shell. “This matchup represents exactly the type of premier college basketball event we strive to bring to the Greater Palm Springs area. Duke is one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports, and having the Blue Devils make a rare appearance in Southern California provides a tremendous opportunity for fans and the region. We expect an outstanding atmosphere at Acrisure Arena and believe this game will further enhance the national profile of both the Acrisure Series and the Coachella Valley as a destination for major college basketball events.”
The 2026 Acrisure Series is presented by Acrisure, Visit Greater Palm Springs, and Spotlight 29 Casino.
“Sponsoring the Acrisure Series reflects our continued commitment to excellence and community engagement,” said Greg Williams, Chairman and CEO of Acrisure. “Bringing programs like Duke and Washington State to the Coachella Valley creates an incredible experience for fans while continuing to establish Acrisure Arena as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
Tickets for Duke vs. Washington State will go on sale Wednesday, June 24, 2026, through Ticketmaster. Additional event details, including premium hospitality options, courtside seating, suites, and group sales opportunities, will be announced as they become available.
Fans should note that admission for Duke vs. Washington State will require a separate ticket from other Acrisure Series games taking place earlier in the day on November 21. Additional information regarding ticket packages and event schedules will be released in the coming weeks.
“We are thrilled to welcome back the Acrisure Series to Greater Palm Springs and to host two outstanding programs in Duke and Washington State,” said Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “This exciting match-up is an honor and a testament to our destination’s growing reputation as a premier sports hub. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans alike—on and off the court in our desert oasis.”
“The Tribe has always supported sports and entertainment that help grow the region,” said Darrell Mike, Chairman of Spotlight 29 Casino. “We’re proud to continue supporting the Acrisure Series and helping make the Coachella Valley one of the top sports destinations in Southern California.”
Duke enters the 2026-27 campaign looking to build on one of the most successful two-year stretches in college basketball as Jon Scheyer begins his fifth season as head coach. Over the last two seasons, the Blue Devils have posted consecutive 35-win campaigns, combining for a 70-7 overall record (.909) and a 36-2 mark in ACC play (.947). Duke is the only program in the nation with 70 victories and single-digit losses since the start of the 2024-25 season, while spending 32 weeks ranked among the Associated Press top five, including six weeks at No. 1, during that stretch. Following a 35-3 campaign in 2025-26 that included the program’s 26th Elite Eight appearance, a 24th ACC Tournament championship and a 22nd ACC regular-season title, Duke returns five players from last year’s team, including four of its top six scorers in Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba II and Dame Sarr. That returning nucleus accounted for 1,131 points, 533 rebounds and 311 assists last season and provides a veteran foundation for a roster that also welcomes three transfers and the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class. The Blue Devils will confront a 2026-27 non-conference schedule featuring six opponents that earned at least a No. 3 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament and finished among the top 20 of the final Associated Press poll.
“Participating in the Acrisure Series is always an honor. It presents an incredible opportunity for our program and Cougar nation to represent Washington State on a national stage against the country’s top teams. We look forward to a competitive matchup in Greater Palm Springs in front of a Crimson crowd.” The Washington State Cougars enter the 2026-27 season with a reloaded roster in a hyper-competitive and revitalized Pac-12 Conference. Under third-year head coach David Riley, WSU brings a pro-style offensive system with a blur of stretch positions to offer mismatches and scoring opportunities. WSU’s rebuilt roster includes Sebastian Akins, the 2025 Summit League Freshman of the Year, and Lazerek Houston, a high-scoring Division-II Conference Player of the Year from Central Missouri. Forward and Northwestern transfer Tyler Kropp will feature in the Cougars front court alongside returning WSU big Dominik Robinson and Oregon transfer Jamari Phillips.
Event Details
Date: Saturday – November 21, 2026
Game: Duke Blue Devils vs. Washington State Cougars
Venue: Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert, CA)
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Ticket Information
Tickets for Duke vs. Washington State will go on sale to the general public on June 24, 2026 through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing provider of Acrisure Arena. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Acrisure Arena Box Office. Fans should note that admission to Duke vs. Washington State requires a separate ticket and does not include access to other Acrisure Series games taking place on November 21. Premium hospitality packages, courtside seating, suites, and group ticket opportunities will also be available.
Partner Hotel Information
Fans traveling to Palm Springs for the 2026 Acrisure Series can now book official partner hotel accommodations at both La Quinta Resort & Club and JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Both properties serve as premier host hotels for the Acrisure Series and provide fans, alumni, donors, and supporters with a first-class Palm Springs experience throughout the event week. These partner hotels are also where participating teams stay, creating a unique opportunity for fans to stay alongside the teams and be part of the full event atmosphere. Special fan rates are now available through the official booking links attached here, allowing guests to secure preferred pricing while staying at two of the top resort destinations in the Coachella Valley. With luxury accommodations, premium amenities, and close proximity to Acrisure Arena, both properties offer the ideal home base for the weekend.