Sugar Bears announce 2026-27 schedule ahead of UAC debut

Central Arkansas women’s basketball just dropped its full 2026-27 schedule and it’s packed with new challenges.

This season marks the Sugar Bears’ first year competing in the United Athletic Conference after spending the past six seasons somewhere else.

Head coach Tony Kemper kicks off his fourth year leading the program on Nov. 2 when UCA hosts Hendrix inside the Farris Center.

It’s one of five non-conference home dates fans won’t want to miss this fall.

The Bears will also welcome North Florida for an ASUN Crossover matchup on Nov. 14 followed by Grambling State on Nov. 20.

Ozarks comes to Conway on Nov. 23 before Southeast Missouri State closes out the home slate on Dec. 21.

UCA won’t stay home for long though. The Bears hit the road for three tough Power Four tests starting at Baylor on Nov. 5.

A trip to Kansas State follows on Dec. 1 before a Dec. 15 showdown at Arkansas rounds out the non-conference road trips.

Conference play begins in January and the Sugar Bears open UAC action on Jan. 6 against West Georgia.

That game also kicks off a stretch of eight home conference matchups this winter.

Central Arkansas welcomes UT Arlington on Jan. 13 then hosts Austin Peay on Jan. 27 and Eastern Kentucky on Jan. 30.

February brings North Alabama on the 17th, Abilene Christian on the 24th and Little Rock on the 27th.

The Bears close out their home schedule on March 6 against Tarleton State, which also serves as senior day for the team’s graduating players.

UAC Tournament looms after long conference slate

UCA will face every UAC opponent on the road too, bringing the total conference schedule to 16 games.

All that work builds toward the UAC Tournament, set for March 10-14.