WVU, Pitt Extend Backyard Brawl for Men's Hoops

Great news for Mountaineer and Panther fans.

West Virginia AD Wren Baker and Pitt AD Heather Lyke have both openly expressed their interest to keep the Backyard Brawl alive and Thursday afternoon, the two schools announced they have reached an agreement to extend the series for men's basketball.

“There is no question that this is one of the best rivalries in college athletics and has produced some great games through the years,” Baker said. “The rivalry is not only good for the two universities but also their fans. I want to thank Heather Lyke and the Pitt administration for supporting the renewal of this series, which is a win for college basketball.”

West Virginia will play at Pitt during the 2024-25 and 2026-27 seasons and in Morgantown for the 2025-26 and 2027-28 seasons.

“The Backyard Brawl is great for both schools, the fanbases and especially for college basketball,” Interim Head Coach Josh Eilert said. “I have been at WVU for 17 of these games, and without question, they are our biggest rival. For the last six years, it’s been one of the highlights of our nonconference schedule and will certainly be for the next four years. I would like to thank Wren Baker, our administration and Pitt for extending the Backyard Brawl.”

West Virginia leads the all-time series, 101-89.

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