Austin, Texas, February 3, 2026
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has revealed basketball district alignments for the upcoming seasons, impacting schools across Texas. This biennial reclassification process aims to balance competition based on updated enrollment figures. Key districts affected include 12-6A, 17-5A, 23-4A, and 17-3A, which will influence team matchups and competition structures for participating schools starting in fall 2026. Local districts such as Killeen ISD, Birdville ISD, and Melissa ISD are among those facing significant changes.
UIL Reveals New Basketball District Alignments for 2026-2028
Austin, Texas – The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has unveiled the basketball district alignments for the 2026-2028 seasons, affecting schools statewide. These changes, part of the UIL’s biennial reclassification and realignment process, will influence team matchups and competition structures for the upcoming seasons.
Key Changes in Basketball Districts
The realignment introduces several notable shifts in basketball districts:
- District 12-6A: Bryan, Copperas Cove, Killeen Chaparral, Killeen Harker Heights, Lake Belton, Temple, and Waco Midway.
- District 17-5A: Brenham, College Station, College Station A&M Consolidated, Huntsville, Lufkin, Montgomery, and Waco University.
- District 23-4A: Bellville, Giddings, Katy Harmony, La Grange, Navasota, Royal, Sealy, and Tomball West.
- District 17-3A: Buffalo, Caldwell, Cameron Yoe, Elkhart, Fairfield, Franklin, Groesbeck, Mexia, and Teague.
These adjustments are based on the latest enrollment figures submitted by schools, determining their classifications and district placements for the next two years. The UIL’s realignment aims to balance competition and travel considerations across the state.
Impact on Local School Districts
Several local school districts have been notably affected by the realignment:
- Killeen Independent School District (ISD): Harker Heights and Chaparral High Schools will join District 12-6A, while Shoemaker and Killeen High Schools will compete in District 12-5A-I. Ellison High School is placed in District 8-5A-II. These changes will take effect starting fall 2026.
- Birdville ISD: Birdville and Richland High Schools will compete in District 6-5A Division I for football, alongside Highland Park, Garland Naaman Forest, and Carrollton Creekview, Smith and Turner High Schools. Haltom High School will join District 8-6A for football and basketball, competing against Irving, Irving MacArthur, Irving Nimitz, South Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, Euless Trinity, and L.D. Bell High Schools. These alignments will be effective from fall 2026.
- Melissa ISD: The Cardinals will continue to compete in 5A for all extracurricular activities and move to 5A Division 1 in football. Football will head to District 5-5A Division 1 in Region 2, while volleyball and basketball remain in District 9-5A in Region 2. This realignment is set to begin in fall 2026.
Background on UIL Realignment Process
The UIL conducts a biennial reclassification and realignment process to ensure fair and competitive play among Texas high schools. Schools submit their enrollment numbers, which are then used to determine classifications and district placements. The 2026-2028 realignment reflects changes in student populations and aims to balance competition and travel considerations across the state. Alignments for other UIL sports and academic contests will be released no later than April 1, 2026.
Key Features of the UIL 2026-2028 Basketball Realignment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| District 12-6A | Includes Bryan, Copperas Cove, Killeen Chaparral, Killeen Harker Heights, Lake Belton, Temple, and Waco Midway. |
| District 17-5A | Comprises Brenham, College Station, College Station A&M Consolidated, Huntsville, Lufkin, Montgomery, and Waco University. |
| District 23-4A | Consists of Bellville, Giddings, Katy Harmony, La Grange, Navasota, Royal, Sealy, and Tomball West. |
| District 17-3A | Encompasses Buffalo, Caldwell, Cameron Yoe, Elkhart, Fairfield, Franklin, Groesbeck, Mexia, and Teague. |
| Effective Date | The new district alignments will take effect starting fall 2026. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the new basketball district alignments for the 2026-2028 seasons?
The UIL has released the basketball district alignments for the 2026-2028 seasons, affecting schools statewide. These changes, part of the UIL’s biennial reclassification and realignment process, will influence team matchups and competition structures for the upcoming seasons.
How does the UIL determine the new district alignments?
The UIL conducts a biennial reclassification and realignment process to ensure fair and competitive play among Texas high schools. Schools submit their enrollment numbers, which are then used to determine classifications and district placements. The 2026-2028 realignment reflects changes in student populations and aims to balance competition and travel considerations across the state. Alignments for other UIL sports and academic contests will be released no later than April 1, 2026.
When will the new district alignments take effect?
The new district alignments will take effect starting fall 2026.
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