Villanova renounces Big 5; city title to return to round-robin

Villanova has announced it is leaving the Big 5, the historic Philadelphia college basketball alliance, prompting the city title competition to revert to a round-robin format among the remaining members. The news, reported on October 23, 2026, marks a significant shake-up for Philadelphia college basketball, which had already seen a turbulent week. The Big 5 traditionally includes Villanova, Penn, Temple, La Salle, and Saint Joseph's, and Villanova's departure will reshape how the city championship is contested.