SAN DIEGO (April 22, 2026) – Sports San Diego officials have announced a new college basketball event, the National University Bill Walton Classic, featuring a women’s game and a men’s game at Pechanga Arena on Saturday, November 7.
The women’s matchup features UC San Diego vs. the University of San Diego, followed by the men’s matchup featuring San Diego State University vs. an opponent to be announced at a later date. Game times will be announced at a later date.
Presales are underway, with tickets available to the general public beginning Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10 AM PT at www.billwaltonclassic.com. Tickets range from $60–$160.
“The Bill Walton Classic is meant to lift up our three Division I basketball programs, unite San Diego’s basketball community under one roof for an extraordinary evening, and pay tribute to a true San Diego legend and Hall of Famer — Bill Walton. Nights like this remind us of what’s possible when this city comes together around the game,” said Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego.
“Bill Walton lived his life the way he called a game: loud, vivid, and bursting with love for the moment. The Bill Walton Classic brings that spirit home — to San Diego. Bill was one of a kind who brought radical joy and optimism to basketball and to everyone he met. From his legendary career on the court to his unforgettable years behind the microphone decked in tie-dye, Bill had a gift for turning any game into an event and any event into something you’d never stop talking about. The Bill Walton Classic is a tribute to that gift, and our invitation to carry it forward.” – Bill Walton Foundation.
“Sports remind us that learning, growth, and belonging often happen through shared experience,” said National University President and CEO Dr. Mark D. Milliron. “At National University, we believe those moments matter, whether they happen in a classroom or in an arena. Bringing San Diego’s teams together for the Bill Walton Classic celebrates the community around the game and the people who make it special. That spirit reflects Bill Walton’s legacy, his love for basketball, his generosity, and his ability to bring people together. It is a powerful example of what we strive for at NU, the idea that each one can reach one, creating opportunity for others along the way.”
