Pitt and West Virginia have announced a four-game extension of the basketball version of the Backyard Brawl, continuing through the 2027-28 season. The teams will face off at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center during the 2024-25 and 2026-27 seasons, and in Morgantown, W.Va., in 2025-26 and 2027-28. The specific dates and tipoff times for these matchups will be announced at a later time.

Players Jaland Lowe and Zack Austin, whose eligibility extends into the next time the Panthers visit Morgantown, expressed their approval, citing the fun they had during their recent victory at the WVU Coliseum on Dec. 6. Lowe, a freshman, mentioned that he loved the experience and felt at home playing on another team’s floor.

Despite West Virginia’s recent success in the series, winning six of the past seven meetings, the decision to continue the Backyard Brawl reflects the mutual enthusiasm of both administrations. This move is particularly significant as Pitt and West Virginia have been part of separate conferences since the 2011-12 season. The extension has garnered support from Pitt coach Jeff Capel and WVU interim head coach Josh Eilert, who emphasized the significance of this rivalry in college athletics and expressed their excitement for the upcoming matchups.

Capel stated, ‘The Backyard Brawl game is one of the most anticipated matchups on the schedule each year for the two fan bases. These kinds of games are what makes college athletics so special. We are excited to extend the series and look forward to four more matchups that will have both fan bases eagerly awaiting the day tickets go on sale.’ Eilert also emphasized the importance of the Backyard Brawl, stating, ‘The Backyard Brawl is great for both schools, the fan bases and especially for college basketball. For the last six years, it’s been one of the highlights of our nonconference schedule and will certainly be for the next four years.’