Boys Open Divisions (15U – 18U)

We’re turning up the excitement in the Open Divisions in 2026 as we continue to offer an electrifying field of 48 teams per division!
In 2026, the competition heats up in the Open divisions for 15’s, 16’s, 17’s, and 18’s! 

In 2026, teams will apply to be considered for the Open Division, and AAU’s seeding committee will determine the field from all applicants. Our seeding committee is diverse in geographical coverage, age group representation, and skill-level knowledge. All teams are encouraged to include all results in AES by February 28, 2026, and can submit additional criteria for consideration no later than the February 28, 2026 deadline. Emails with special considerations should be sent to herley@aausports.com. By registering teams by February 28, 2026, we provide ample time for the seeding committee to review teams that apply and their results. Teams that apply for Open and meet all criteria, but are denied entry into Open, will be admitted to the Premier division in their respective age groups automatically. 

To be considered for participation in Open, teams must meet all registration and payment deadlines. The registration deadline is 2/28/26, and the payment deadline for Open division consideration is also 2/28/26.

The following criteria will be used in determining the playing field for 2026:

• Team’s results against other teams in the field as submitted in AES 
• Team’s other results throughout the year as submitted in AES 
• Seeding information submitted to AAU (Letters should include the ‘Why’ the team should be considered and be sent to Herley Pellew at herley@aausports.org.)
• Team’s final standings at previous National Championships 
• Regional Rank (Only if there is no other data available)

Teams must participate in at least one of the events below. These events have been selected based on geographic location and the percentage of current teams in the field participating in these events. Events from across the country have been chosen to give every team an equal opportunity to be evaluated against the field. Other tournaments may be approved and announced by AAU, prior to the season.

AAU/JVA Chi-Town Challenge	November 1-3, 2025	Chicago, IL	Click Here
AAU/JVA Battle at the Border	November 15-16, 2025	Rock Hill, SC	Click Here
AAU/JVA Bay Area Battle	December 6-7, 2025	Fremont, CA	Click Here
Boys Winter Invitational	December 12-14, 2025	Louisville, KY	Click Here
SoCal Cup: The Winter Formal	December 12-14, 2025	Los Angeles, CA	Click Here
AAU/JVA Snowball Slam	December 13-14, 2025	Manheim, PA	Click Here
AAU/JVA Sac-Town Showdown	January 10-12, 2026	Roseville, CA	Click Here
SoCal Cup: The Open Championship	January 17-19, 2026	Salt Lake City, UT	Click Here
AAU/JVA Brew City Battle	January 31-Feb 1, 2026	Milwaukee, WI	Click Here

The following two events will no longer be considered qualifying events, but will be used to adjust seeding just before Nationals. Therefore, your team's participation in one of these two events will provide the opportunity to improve your seeding based on late-season performance. 

AAU/JVA Windy City Round Up	June 19-21, 2026	Chicago, IL	Click Here
SoCal Cup: The Showcase	June 19-21, 2026	Los Angeles, CA	Click Here