EDISON, N.J. – Fairfield University Men's Basketball will play two games as a part of the inaugural America East-Metro Basketball Challenge, which was unveiled on Monday, June 1 in a joint announcement by the conference offices. The Stags will host Vermont on Thursday, Nov. 5 in their home opener at Leo D. Mahoney Arena and then travel to take on Bryant in Rhode Island on Sunday, Nov. 8.
 
"We're looking forward to the first-ever America East-Metro Challenge. Vermont is a perennial contender in their league, and Bryant has carried over their recent success from the NEC to the America East with a conference championship in 2025," said Head Coach Chris Casey. "These are the type of high-level mid-major matchups that can help us prepare for the conference portion of our schedule."
 
Vermont makes its first-ever visit to Mahoney Arena and its first trip to Fairfield's campus since 1980 when the Catamounts come to town on Nov. 5. The Stags won the last meeting in the series – a 67-66 nailbiter at Mohegan Sun Arena in 2024 – and hold a 9-2 advantage all-time on a ledger that dates back to 1968.
 
The Vermont Catamounts finished last season at 22-12 overall and reached the finals of the America East Tournament, falling at top-seeded UMBC. The Catamounts have won 20 or more games in 17 consecutive full seasons of action (excludes 2020-21), including every full campaign under 15-year head coach John Becker. Becker has led UVM to seven America East Championships, most recently completing a three-peat from 2022-24.
 
On Nov. 8, the Stags travel to Smithfield, R.I. for their first-ever regular season meeting with Bryant. The Bulldogs will be beginning their second season under Head Coach Jamion Christian. Bryant won the America East Championship in 2025 – its third season as a member of the conference – and also owns one NEC Championship (2022) since joining the Division I ranks in 2009.

Season ticket renewals are underway for the 2026-27 Fairfield Basketball season. All current season ticket holders have been contacted directly to renew their seats. Fans who wish to purchase new season tickets for the upcoming season – men's or women's – can complete this interest form to be contacted by the Fairfield Athletics Ticket Office when season tickets are on sale.
 
Fairfield Men's Basketball finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 21-13 record – the second 20-win season in three years led by Head Coach Chris Casey The Stags won two postseason games to conclude the season in the MAAC Championship Semifinals.