U.S. Virgin Islands Extends Paradise Jam in St. Thomas for Four More Years

The U.S. Virgin Islands will remain home to one of college basketball’s most recognizable early-season tournaments for the rest of the decade, Caribbean Journal has learned.

A new four-year agreement secures the continued hosting of the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam in St. Thomas through November 2029, ensuring the tournament remains a fixture on the island’s sports calendar from November 2026 through November 2029. The event is now entering its 27th year and has long been one of the nation’s premier early-season NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

“Paradise Jam has become a staple event in the U.S. Virgin Islands and a key driver of the territory’s growing sports tourism industry,” said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “We are excited to continue strengthening our partnership with the Paradise Jam organization and to welcome the many student-athletes, fans, and families who experience the destination each year.”

Held each November, Paradise Jam brings Division I programs from across the country to compete in St. Thomas, with games broadcast nationally and fan bases traveling to the island for the multi-day tournament. The event blends competitive early-season matchups with a destination setting that has helped define its identity for more than two decades.

Officials say the tournament continues to play an important role in the territory’s visitor economy.

“Paradise Jam puts the Virgin Islands on a national stage and brings real dollars into our economy. Every year it fills hotel rooms, supports local businesses and showcases St. Thomas at its best. This agreement through 2029 is about steady opportunity for our people and continued growth in sports tourism for the Territory.”

Each year, Paradise Jam brings thousands of visitors to St. Thomas, generating hotel occupancy and visitor spending during a key tourism period. Teams, families, alumni and fans contribute to restaurants, ground transportation providers, attractions, retail businesses and the broader hospitality sector.

With the extension now in place, St. Thomas remains positioned as a consistent host for major collegiate sporting events, reinforcing the U.S. Virgin Islands’ profile as a destination for group travel and large-scale competitions.