FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball will tip off the 2026-27 season in less than three weeks, with the Lions slated to play 28 games overall and 22 MIAA contests.

The Lions get the season started November 9 at the Stubblefield Center as they host University of the Ozarks in a Blackout Game.

UAFS will then prepare for league play with four neutral site games, taking on East Central and Southern Arkansas at the Tulsa Tip-Off Classic Nov. 13-14 and then facing Midwestern State and Lubbock Christian Nov. 20-21 at the Southeastern Classic.

MIAA play begins Nov. 27 at the Stubblefield Center against Missouri Western followed by Northwest Missouri State Nov. 28. UAFS then visits Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney December 3 and 5.

The annual Toy Toss game returns Dec. 8 against Ecclesia before the Lions end the semester at Central Missouri and Washburn.

UAFS opens 2027 at Northeastern State January 2 followed by home games against Emporia State and Newman Jan. 7 and 9, respectively.

Remaining road opponents include Central Oklahoma, Rogers State, Northwest Missouri State, Missouri Western, Newman and Emporia State.

Home games also include matchups against Missouri Southern, Pittsburg State, Washburn, Central Missouri, Northeastern State, Central Oklahoma and the season finale against Rogers State February 27.

The MIAA Tournament is slated for March 4-7 in Kansas City.

The Lions were picked fifth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and sixth in the Preseason Media Poll after finishing fifth in 2025-26. Washburn was picked as the preseason favorite in both polls.