FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The three-time defending conference champions Fairfield University Women's Basketball team will host Binghamton and Vermont in the inaugural America East – Metro Challenge taking place on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8 at Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Both teams finished in the top-three of the America East last season with Vermont winning the league and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
 
"We are looking forward to representing The Metro in the inaugural season of this challenge," Head Coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis said. "We look forward to competing against the best teams in the America East with two great home matchups early in the season."
 
The Stags will start off by hosting Binghamton in the 2026-27 home opener on Friday, Nov. 6. The Bearcats are coming off a 20-win season and a third-place finish in the America East. The squad was selected to compete in the WNIT where they defeated Mercyhurst in the opening round. This will be only the second all-time meeting between the two schools and the first since 2022.
 
Fairfield will then welcome the defending America East champions Vermont to Mahoney Arena on Sunday, Nov. 8. Vermont went 27-8 overall and posted a 13-3 record in the league before capturing the America East Championship. The tournament title was the second-straight for the Catamounts and their third in the last four campaigns. In total, Vermont has captured nine America East titles and their 27-win season was their highest winning total since 2009.
 
Every Metro Conference institution will be represented in the challenge, with Fairfield being one of five schools having both men's and women's teams participating.
 
The Stags are coming off their third-straight MAAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance after posting a 28-5 overall record. Over the last three seasons, the Stags have amassed a 66-2 record against conference opponents which includes nine-straight tournament victories.
 
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.