Southwest Airlines named title sponsor of historic Maui Invitational

A surfboard with Southwest Airlines logo in front of the beach.
Southwest Airlines will be the title sponsor of the Maui Invitational. Courtesy Southwest Airlines

MAUI, Hawaii—Southwest Airlines will be the title sponsor of the Maui Invitational, nation’s in-season college basketball tournament, making it the “Southwest Maui Invitational.” The Southwest Maui Invitational will take place at the historic Lahaina Civic Center Nov. 24-26, 2025.

“Southwest Airlines is excited to sponsor the Maui Invitational—a slam dunk for us as we rally around the schools invited to play, while strengthening our connection with the Maui community through this world-class event,” says Jen Bridie, vice president of marketing for Southwest Airlines. “Our flight schedule is now extended to include the Southwest Maui Invitational dates, offering a range of flight options to fans who want to attend, cheer on their team, and experience Maui’s aloha spirit.”

This year’s Invitational will feature teams such as Arizona State, Boise State, North Carolina State, Texas, and USC. The 2025 teams share 136 NCAA Tournament appearances, 11 Final Fours, and two national championships.

Fans traveling to the island of Maui for the Invitational can fly directly to Kahului Airport (OGG) via Oakland (OAK), Phoenix (PHX) and Las Vegas (LAS). Southwest Airlines also offers direct flights from the mainland to several major Hawaii airports. Those traveling can book their travel at www.southwest.com as the airline extended its flight schedule to include flights through Jan. 5, 2026.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Southwest Airlines and become the Southwest Maui Invitational,” says KemperSports LIVE Executive Vice President and Managing Director Tom Valdiserri. “Southwest Airlines and the Maui Invitational are two highly respected brands that bring the beauty of Hawaii to excited travelers and basketball fans, alike.”