Erie to Host 2025 CCA Women’s D2 Tip-Off Classic, Showcasing Elite NCAA Talent

The Erie Sports Commission announced today that, in partnership with Gannon University and Edinboro Athletics, it will host the 2025 CCA Women’s D2 Tip-Off Classic, presented by AHN Sports Medicine and AHN Pavilion. This premier event will feature many of the best NCAA Division II Women’s basketball players in the country and is set to kick off the 2025-26 basketball season.

The event will be held from Nov. 7-9, with games played at the newly renovated Highmark Events Center at Gannon University and the McComb Fieldhouse at PennWest Edinboro University.

Both the Gannon Golden Knights and Edinboro Fighting Scots will compete, along with six additional teams, which will be announced once finalized. A total of 12 games will be played, six at each venue.

“The opportunity to bring quality events like this to Erie County would not be possible without great partners like Edinboro, Gannon and AHN Sports Medicine and AHN Pavilion,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “This is a nationally sought after pre-season tournament that will bring the best-of-the-best in women’s DII basketball to our community.”

Gannon’s Women’s Basketball team has a history with the CCA Women’s D2 Tip-Off Classic, having participated in the last two tournaments in Canada and Montana.

“I can tell you from firsthand experience that this tournament will feature some of the top Division II women’s basketball teams in the country,” said Cleve Wright, women’s basketball head coach at Gannon. “Fans will love the talent level on display at this event.”

“We are honored to host such a prestigious event, celebrating the passion, skill and competitive drive of Division II Women’s Basketball” said Callie Wheeler, women’s basketball head coach at Edinboro. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our team, and I am excited to share this event with our community.”

Tickets for the event will go on sale at a later date, and additional details, including participating teams and game schedules, will be announced as they are finalized.

For more information about the 2025 CCA Women’s D2 Tip-Off Classic, presented by AHN Sports Medicine and AHN Pavilion, visit: ErieSportsCommission.com.

For more information about the Erie Sports Commission and its events, visit: eriesportscommission.com/events.