The U.S. Virgin Islands will remain the host of college basketball’s most prestigious early season tournament for the remainder of the decade, Caribbean Journal reports.
The new four-year contract ensures the continued hosting of the competition. US Virgin Islands Paradise Jam It will be held on St Thomas until November 2029, ensuring the tournament remains a fixture on the island’s sporting calendar from November 2026 to November 2029. The event is now in its 27th year and has long been one of the premier early season NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in the country.
“Paradise Jam has become a staple event in the U.S. Virgin Islands and a major driver of the growth of the region’s sports tourism industry,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “We are excited to continue strengthening our partnership with the Paradise Jam organization and welcome the many student-athletes, fans and families who experience the destination each year.”
Held annually in November, Paradise Jam brings Division I programs from around the country to compete on St. Thomas. Games are broadcast nationally and fan bases travel to the island for tournaments that last several days. The event blends competitive early season matchups with the destination setting that has helped define the event’s identity for over 20 years.
Officials said the tournament continues to play an important role in the region’s visitor economy.
“Paradise Jam puts the Virgin Islands on the national stage and brings real dollars into our economy. It fills hotel rooms every year, supports local businesses and showcases St. Thomas at its best. This agreement through 2029 is about steady opportunities for our people and the continued growth of sports tourism in the region.”
Each year, Paradise Jam brings thousands of visitors to St. Thomas, generating hotel occupancy and visitor spending during key tourism periods. Teams, families, alumni and fans contribute to restaurants, ground transport, attractions, retail and the wider hospitality sector.
Now that the expansion is complete, St. Thomas has established itself as a consistent host for major college sporting events, strengthening the U.S. Virgin Islands’ status as a destination for group travel and large-scale competitions.
