The Northwestern men's basketball team is not expected to content in the now 18-team Big Ten Conference, but one thing fans have learned in recent years is to not count out Chris Collins and the Wildcats.

“We are elated to partner with our friends at the Atlantic Coast Conference to co-host the 2027 NCAA men’s basketball tournament first and second rounds,” Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill said Thursday. “Charlotte is a city that loves college basketball, and we look forward to another spectacular event in Spectrum Center.”