Cancun Challenge

The Cancun Challenge is one of the most unique basketball events held each year. Teams stay and play at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya near Cancun, Mexico. The resort's convention center ballroom is converted into an arena providing fans a special close-up view of the games. Once arriving at the hotel, teams and fans are treated to a spectacular all-inclusive rock star vacation with games, practices, unlimited dining and drinks, world-class entertainment, and fun all in one location. Previous men's champions include Vanderbilt (2008), Kentucky (2009), Missouri (2010), Illinois (2011), Wichita State (2012), Wisconsin (2013), Northern Iowa (2014), Maryland (2015), Purdue (2016), LA Tech (2017), Bradley (2018), West Virginia (2019), Clemson (2020) and Saint Louis (2021). Previous women's participating teams include Arizona State, Baylor, Duke, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Maryland, Oklahoma, Purdue, Seton Hall, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, among others.

Located just off the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers the ultimate vacation for guests of all ages with both the adults-only and family-friendly resort experiences. With a combined 1,264 ultra-posh and lavishly appointed guestrooms boasting a balcony, terrace views or new, expansive sky terrace options with picturesque views, hydro tubs in each room, world-class shopping and endless style, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is nothing short of the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Complete with expansive outdoor pools and private beach, this all-inclusive escape offers nine world-class restaurants, eight bars and lounges, and 88,915 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space ideal for elegant banquets, themed parties, weddings, concerts, and more.

The Cancun Challenge is owned and produced by Triple Crown Sports, which also organizes the Preseason and Postseason Women's NIT. Triple Crown is a leader in youth and college sports, managing more than 100 events across the country in baseball, basketball, lacrosse, softball and volleyball. With 40 years of experience, Triple Crown is nationally recognized for its professionally-produced destination tournaments.