Whether you’re cheering for a local high school team or watching college basketball in Philadelphia, the area offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy exciting basketball with the family. From talented high school players to nationally recognized college programs, you can experience the excitement of live basketball without spending a fortune. Many games offer affordable admission, and some are even free, making local basketball a fun and budget-friendly family outing.
Bring your future all-stars to cheer on local players and see some of the region’s most promising basketball talent in action. High school basketball features both boys’ and girls’ teams, and the season offers plenty of opportunities to catch a game close to home. Check your local school’s athletic website for varsity schedules, game times, and ticket information.
Local High School Basketball in the Philadelphia Suburbs
Watching a local high school basketball game is a great way to introduce kids to the excitement of live sports while supporting your community. Here are links to boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball schedules at area high schools.
Area High School Basketball Schedules
Downingtown High School EAST | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Downingtown High School WEST | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Harriton High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Lower Merion High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Radnor High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Great Valley High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Marple Newtown High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Penncrest High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Phoenixville High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Upper Dublin High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Strath Haven High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Wissahickon High School | Boys Varsity | Girls Varsity
Philadelphia Big 5 Basketball: A Legendary College Rivalry
Philadelphia is home to one of the most celebrated college basketball traditions in the country: the Big 5. This historic rivalry brings together some of the area’s top Division I basketball programs, creating exciting matchups and a unique sense of hometown pride. Both men’s and women’s teams offer opportunities to experience high-level college basketball throughout the season.
The Big 5’s history dates back to the 1950s, when Philadelphia’s college basketball programs established a series of games that would become a beloved city tradition. The original rivalry featured La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph’s, Temple, and Villanova. Drexel University joined the competition in 2023, expanding the group to six Philadelphia-area schools.
The Palestra, located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, has long been the historic home of Philadelphia college basketball. Known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate fans, this iconic arena is a wonderful place to introduce kids to the excitement and traditions of college basketball. If your family has never attended a game at the Palestra, consider adding it to your basketball bucket list!
An Important Update About Villanova and the Big 5
Villanova will leave the men’s Big 5 competition following the 2026–27 season. The Wildcats will continue participating in the current six-team format for this season, but beginning in 2027–28, the men’s Big 5 will return to a five-team round-robin format featuring Drexel, La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph’s, and Temple.
The current Big 5 Classic tripleheader format will also conclude after the December 5, 2026 event at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The change marks a new chapter for Philadelphia college basketball, although the historic rivalries among the remaining schools will continue.
Villanova remains an important part of Philadelphia basketball history. The Wildcats have won three NCAA men’s national championships and continue to offer exciting college basketball close to home. Families can still catch Villanova men’s and women’s games in person, even as the men’s team prepares to move on from the Big 5 competition.
Philadelphia Big 5 and Area College Basketball Schedules
Check the university websites for current men’s and women’s schedules, home game dates, and ticket information.
Drexel University | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
La Salle University | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
Saint Joseph’s University | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
University of Pennsylvania | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
Temple University | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
Villanova University | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
More College Basketball in Philadelphia
Beyond the Big 5, several other Philadelphia universities offer exciting college basketball games that are worth checking out. Thomas Jefferson University is another great option for families looking to enjoy a game within the city. The Thomas Jefferson University’s Rams offer a Division II experience. Both schools have men’s and women’s teams and provide another opportunity to experience the energy of college basketball without necessarily attending a larger arena.
Thomas Jefferson University, formerly Philadelphia Textile, is also home to a special piece of basketball history. Legendary coach Herb Magee retired following the 2021–22 season after an extraordinary career that began in 1959. Magee first played for the Rams, scoring more than 2,000 points, before becoming an assistant coach and eventually taking over as head coach. His legacy remains an important part of Philadelphia basketball history.
Thomas Jefferson University | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
College Basketball in the Philadelphia Suburbs
Prefer to stay closer to home? There are several excellent college basketball options in the Philadelphia suburbs, including Haverford College and West Chester University. These schools offer an opportunity to watch competitive college basketball in a more intimate campus setting.
Haverford College competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the Centennial Conference, while West Chester University competes in NCAA Division II in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Both schools have men’s and women’s basketball programs and offer a fun way to introduce kids to college sports.
Haverford College | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
West Chester University | Men’s Basketball | Women’s Basketball
Whether you choose a neighborhood high school game, a historic Big 5 rivalry, or a college matchup in the suburbs, Philadelphia offers plenty of ways to enjoy basketball as a family. Check schedules and ticket information before heading out, and plan a fun outing cheering on the next generation of basketball stars!
Updated October 2026