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College Conference · NCAA Division I

Missouri Valley Conference

The Valley — founded 1907, the second-oldest Division I conference and a giant of mid-major basketball history.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
Founded1907 — second-oldest D1 conference
HeadquartersSt. Louis, Missouri
DivisionNCAA Division I

What is the Missouri Valley Conference?

The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) is the second-oldest conference in Division I, a basketball-first league of the Midwest whose history runs from early powerhouses to modern March upsets.[1] [2]

Members and sports

Members include Bradley, Drake, Belmont, Murray State, Indiana State, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois. The Valley sponsors championships across the NCAA sports, including swimming & diving for women.[1]

Since when does it exist?

Founded in 1907; headquartered in St. Louis; its "Arch Madness" tournament is a fixture of championship week.[1]

Why does the Missouri Valley Conference matter?

Nearly 120 years of continuous Division I competition and a deep basketball legacy (Larry Bird's Indiana State, Loyola's Final Four run as a member) make the Valley one of the most storied non-football-power conferences in the country.[1] [2]

References

  1. Missouri Valley — official site. Accessed August 2026.
  2. NCAA — About the NCAA. Accessed August 2026.