Southwest Airlines Headlines 2025 Maui Invitational: A New Era for College Hoops in Paradise

(IN SHORT) The Maui Invitational, now rebranded as the “Southwest Maui Invitational” for 2025, will be held at Lahaina Civic Center from November 24-26, following a new title sponsorship by Southwest Airlines. The tournament, entering its 42nd year, will feature prominent teams such as Arizona State, Texas, and USC, while celebrating its historic legacy. Southwest Airlines has extended its flight schedule to facilitate fan travel, ensuring easy access to Maui. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to excellence and community, marking a new chapter for one of college basketball’s most revered events.

(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS, 2025-Mar-27 — /Travel PR News/ — The iconic Maui Invitational, widely recognized as the nation’s top in-season college basketball tournament, is embracing a fresh identity for 2025 as the “Southwest Maui Invitational.” In an exciting new partnership, Southwest Airlines—celebrated as one of the world’s most admired carriers—has come on board as the title sponsor. The event will take place at the historic Lahaina Civic Center from November 24-26, 2025.

Southwest Airlines is enhancing its connection with the Maui community and sports fans alike. Jen Bridie, Vice President of Marketing for Southwest Airlines, remarked, “Sponsoring the Maui Invitational is a slam dunk for us. We’re proud to back the competitive spirit of college basketball while strengthening our ties with Maui. To make it even better, we’ve extended our flight schedule to cover the tournament dates, so fans have plenty of options to fly directly to Maui and enjoy the island’s unique aloha spirit.”

The 2025 tournament boasts a formidable lineup, featuring teams such as Arizona State, Boise State, North Carolina State, Seton Hall, Texas, USC, Washington State, and host team Chaminade. Collectively, these programs represent 136 NCAA Tournament appearances, 11 Final Four berths, and two national championships, promising fans top-tier collegiate basketball action.

Traveling to the event is made even easier thanks to Southwest Airlines. Direct flights are available to Kahului Airport (OGG) from Oakland, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. The airline also provides connections to major Hawaiian airports including Honolulu (HNL), Kona (KOA), and Lihue (LIH) from cities like Long Beach, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Jose, as well as interisland flights. Southwest’s enhanced flight schedule now runs through January 5, 2026, ensuring fans can conveniently plan their trip. Tickets and travel arrangements can be made at www.southwest.com.

Tom Valdiserri, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of KemperSports LIVE, added, “Partnering with Southwest Airlines to become the Southwest Maui Invitational is a milestone for us. Both brands are synonymous with excellence and share a deep connection with Hawaii. This collaboration not only elevates our tournament but also celebrates the unique blend of athletic prowess and island beauty.”

Celebrating its 42nd year, the tournament honors its storied legacy, including the legendary upset by NAIA’s Chaminade University over the No. 1-ranked Virginia in 1982. Over the years, the Invitational has provided a stage for some of college basketball’s most unforgettable moments and has become a cherished tradition in the national sports calendar.

For ticket information and further details about the 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational, please visit mauiinivitational.com or follow the tournament on social media platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Additional information about Southwest Airlines can be found at www.southwest.com or via their social channels @SouthwestAir on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the Maui Invitational
In December 1982, then No. 1 ranked Virginia, led by National College Player of the Year Ralph Sampson, played little-known NAIA Chaminade University in Honolulu while on the way back from a trip to Tokyo. The Silverswords stunned Virginia 77-72 in one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history. Two years later, in 1984, Chaminade University hosted the first Maui Invitational and it has proven to be the premier early-season college basketball tournament for more than 40 years running. Each year, the Maui Invitational attracts the top programs, best-known coaches, and most outstanding players to compete in an exciting atmosphere at the Lahaina Civic Center near the beautiful beaches of Maui.

About KemperSports LIVE
KemperSports LIVE, the sports marketing and events division of Chicago-based KemperSports, produces and manages major national sporting events, including the Maui Invitational, Battle 4 Atlantis, McDonald’s All-American Games and Sprite® Jam Fest. KemperSports LIVE has proudly operated the Maui Invitational since 1990. For more information, visit www.kempersportslive.com.

Media Contact:
B.R. Koehnemann, KemperSports LIVE
847.421.4537 | brkoehnemann@kempersports.com

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.   
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 72,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

Media contact:
swamedia@wnco.com

SOURCE: Southwest Airlines

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