Memphis basketball is heading to paradise. Coach Penny Hardaway confirmed during a May 8 radio interview with Sports 56's Dave Woloshin that the Tigers will compete in the 2026 Battle 4 Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas this November.

While exact dates haven't been locked in yet, the tournament traditionally unfolds over three days during Thanksgiving week. The eight-team field remains under wraps, but each squad is expected to play three games in this prestigious early-season event that has become a staple for college hoops programs looking to test their mettle against national competition.

Hardaway also dropped another scheduling gem: Memphis' previously announced neutral-site showdown against Dayton—part of the new "American-Atlantic 10 Challenge"—will tip off at the iconic United Center in Chicago on Nov. 29. That matchup gives fans a chance to see the Tigers on a big stage in a historic NBA arena.

For a program that thrives on high-profile non-conference tests, the Battle 4 Atlantis offers a perfect blend of competitive basketball and a tropical backdrop. It's the kind of trip that builds chemistry early in the season while giving players and fans alike a memorable experience. Stay tuned as the full field and schedule take shape—this is one tournament you won't want to miss.