New York Phoenix set to play 2026 home games at M&T Bank Center in Schenectady after league switch

A venue change aimed at upgrading the game-day experience

The New York Phoenix professional basketball team will keep its footprint in Schenectady, New York, but will change where fans see the team in 2026. The franchise announced it will play all 12 home games at the M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor, a newer facility that also hosts Union College men’s and women’s hockey. The arena opened in September, and team leadership described the move as a step toward a higher-end, more consistent fan experience.

In practical terms, the relocation reflects a broader pattern across minor and emerging professional sports: teams look for venues that can support reliable scheduling, better production, and improved amenities to attract both local audiences and sponsors. For a club still early in its history, the home environment can shape brand identity as much as on-court results.

A league change adds a second layer of transition

The Phoenix are not only changing buildings; they are also changing competitive context. After competing in The Basketball League last season, the team will play in the newly formed United States Basketball League in 2026. Shifting leagues can change travel, opponents, and competitive standards, and it often affects marketing and media plans because each league has different partnerships and visibility.

The team’s 2026 home opener at the new venue is scheduled for March 29 against the Capital Seahawks. For local stakeholders, that date functions as both a season milestone and a soft launch for the team’s new era, testing whether the venue and league changes translate into stronger attendance and community engagement.

Ownership, coaching continuity, and local development

Team co-owners Rebecca Whaley (CEO) and Sam Clifford (COO) said the partnership around the new venue supports the revival of pro basketball in the area. Continuity remains on the basketball side as well: Trevis Wyche will continue as head coach and general manager. Local officials and venue leadership framed the move as part of a broader effort to develop Mohawk Harbor as a regional sports and entertainment destination while keeping Armory Studios NY active with exhibitions and events.

For fans, the near-term storyline is straightforward—new arena, new league, and a defined date to see what the Phoenix look like in a different setting. For the team, the bigger question is whether these operational changes can help sustain growth beyond novelty and into long-term stability.