by
The 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament tips off on Thursday, March 5, with all matchups taking place at the Enterprise Center. Drake Bulldogs arrive aiming to capture a fourth straight conference crown, but this is a very different group from years past. With neither Darian DeVries nor Ben McCollum on the bench and the team enduring a difficult campaign, Drake no longer carries the same aura of dominance.
Instead, Belmont Bruins enter as the betting favorite. Still, the race for the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament appears wide open, with multiple contenders capable of cutting down the nets. That sets the stage for a compelling few days of high-stakes basketball, and we break down our projections below.
- What? NCAA 2026 Missouri Valley Conference
- When? March 5-8
- Where? Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri Valley Conference Odds
Below are the odds for the Missouri Valley Conference from three of the best College Basketball betting sites.
| MVC Winner |  |  |  |
| Belmont | +140 | +140 | +155 |
| Northern Iowa | +400 | +400 | +400 |
| Illinois State | +500 | +500 | +500 |
| Bradley | +700 | +700 | +725 |
| Illinois Chicago | +700 | +700 | +850 |
| Murray State | +1000 | +1000 | +900 |
| Southern Illinois | +1200 | +1200 | +1800 |
| Valparaiso | +1600 | +1600 | +3500 |
| Indiana State | +3500 | +3500 | +7000 |
| Drake | +5000 | +5000 | +15000 |
| Evansville | +8000 | +8000 | +25000 |
Belmont
Belmont Bruins finished the season with the top record in the conference, giving them strong confidence heading into the tournament. Offensively, they are elite, leading the nation in Effective Field Goal Percentage at 61.4%, ranking fifth in two-point shooting at 61.1%, and coming in second in three-point accuracy at 41.2%. The Bruins also sit 40th nationally in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency with a mark of 121.1. Tyler Lundblade is their standout scorer, averaging 15.8 points per game with excellent efficiency.
That said, Belmont will be without Nic McClain for the remainder of the season. McClain, a capable shooter and productive playmaker, would be especially valuable in tight, physical postseason matchups, and his absence will be felt. Additionally, the Bruins will need to tighten up on defense, as six other Missouri Valley Conference teams rank ahead of them in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Winning a tournament is challenging when defensive consistency is in question. However, they should be more than capable of getting the job done.
BetUS is consistently one of the top betting platforms. You can read our BetUS sportsbook review for much more information about this betting site.
Other Contenders
If you’re searching for a high-upside, long-shot pick in the Missouri Valley Conference, Murray State Racers could be the smartest gamble. The Racers rank among the top 75 nationally in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency at 116.2 and are 20th in Adjusted Tempo with a 71.3 pace. Their fast-paced style allows a dynamic backcourt duo in Javon Jackson and Roman Domon to flourish. Defensively, Murray State limits opponents’ three-point opportunities effectively, and center Fred King provides a bruising presence inside. This combination makes the Racers a tough matchup in a one-and-done scenario, and their overall profile is reminiscent of Belmont—but at a far more appealing price for bettors willing to take a chance on Ja Morant’s alma mater.
Northern Iowa Panthers must start in the opening round, but they have the tools to make a deep run. Northern Iowa is the top defensive team in the conference, sitting 24th nationally in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency at 98.5, and ranks third in the country in three-point defense at 28.6%. The Panthers can completely stifle opponents, particularly in low-scoring, physical tournament settings. Offensively, they remain efficient, operating at a slow pace with minimal turnovers and contributions from multiple players. Five Panthers average at least 9.1 points per game, giving the team several scoring options capable of leading to a win on any night. With solid performances against the conference’s strongest teams during the regular season, Northern Iowa represents compelling value in this tournament field.
Below are the best offshore sportsbooks where you can place your Missouri Valley Conference bets.
Moneyline betting 