MO State HS Sports

Braggin’ Rights Series Extended Through 2029

Braggin' Rights

ST. LOUIS – University of Illinois and University of Missouri athletics officials, in conjunction with Enterprise Center, announced Friday a six-year extension of the annual Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis through 2029. 

McBride Homes, in its third year as title sponsor, has also agreed to a two-year extension through 2026 for the McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights Game. The extension was secured by the local teams for LEARFIELD, athletics multimedia rightsholder for both universities. Champaign-based Fighting Illini Sports Properties and Columbia-based Mizzou Sports Properties represent the University of Illinois and the University of Missouri respectively. 

“The Braggin’ Rights Game is a staple on Mizzou’s calendar every season and a historic rivalry that matters to our fans,” said Missouri Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois. “We embrace our opportunities to hold events in St. Louis. That’s why it’s important to extend the series with Illinois at Enterprise Center so our fans can continue to enjoy one of the most electric atmospheres in all of college basketball.”

The nation’s premier non-conference basketball rivalry began play in St. Louis on Dec. 10, 1980. It has since been played 42 of the last 43 years, with all but one of those matchups taking place in St. Louis (2020 game held in Columbia, Mo. due to COVID-19).

“The St. Louis region has produced outstanding Illini student-athletes for many years, and with thousands of alumni living in the Gateway City, we’re pleased to extend Braggin’ Rights and continue the holiday hoops tradition,” Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. “The competitive rivalry we enjoy with Missouri has grown into one of the top annual games on the college basketball calendar, and we’re pleased to partner with our friends at Enterprise Center and keep this series in St. Louis through 2029.” 

Illinois holds a 26-16 advantage in the McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights game. Friday night marks the 43rd edition of the event, set for an 8 p.m. tip-off at sold-out Enterprise Center and televised nationally on FS1.

This article is provided by University of Missouri Athletics