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.”

For further event information please go to www.billwaltonclassic.com.

 

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About Bill Walton Foundation

The Bill Walton Foundation is dedicated to honoring Bill Walton’s extraordinary life and legacy to inspire resilience, ignite teamwork, and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Guided by Bill’s belief in the transformative power of sports, education, and mentorship, we invest in programs that build character, foster selfless leadership, and create inclusive opportunities — uniting communities as one team, ensuring every person has a coach and champion in their corner, and carries Bill’s radical joy and optimism forward in the ultimate game of life. Bill Walton refused to let adversity define him. He saw no strangers — only teammates he hadn’t met yet. The Bill Walton Foundation carries that truth forward.

About National University

National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 150 online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 250,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University’s new possibilities in education including next-generation education, value-rich education, and whole human education, visit NU.edu.

About Sports San Diego

Sports San Diego’s mission is to ignite tourism and fuel economic growth by 1) bringing world-class sporting events to San Diego; 2) producing extraordinary experiences for fans, athletes, and the community; and 3) unifying and elevating all sports across the city to foster a vibrant, inclusive sports culture, enhancing San Diego’s reputation and opportunities.

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