34th Duckworth Challenge is back this weekend
Posted January 26, 2026 6:17 pm.
Last Updated January 26, 2026 7:58 pm.
The annual Duckworth Challenge is back for the 34th year in a row, and there has been a lot of excitement around it this year. This weekend, downtown streets will be busy with fans going back and forth from school to school.
The Duckworth Challenge began in 1991-1992 by the former U of W president and U of M chancellor, Dr. Henry Duckworth, to put a spotlight on the heated rivalry between the Winnipeg Wesmen and the Manitoba Bisons basketball and volleyball teams.
“This is a series that celebrates not only a rivalry, but a true reflection of our sports culture here, not only in Winnipeg, but in Manitoba,” said Joey Slattery, a Winnipeg sports reporter.
Between the four teams competing this weekend, there are 101 athletes from Manitoba.
“I want to acknowledge the student athletes competing this weekend. Who balances academics, training, and competition at an elite level. Both the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba play such a vital role in shaping Winnipeg’s future, and this rivalry highlights the best of both institutions,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
It’s more than just a rivalry on the floor. Events like this bring energy, movement, and community to the city. Some are hoping the Duckworth Challenge will be moved to the Canada Life Centre in the future.
“I hope it gets to that level in a few years, I think that it would be really worth it, and there’s a lot of people in the city who don’t necessarily know a lot that happening, even people at our own school,” said Brenna Bedosky, a middle blocker for the University of Manitoba.
The winner of this year’s Duckworth Challenge will have the lights of the Winnipeg sign at the Forks turn into their colours.
“I’ve been asked who I’m cheering for, choosing sides can be risky, and so I’ve done the very political thing,” said Gillingham while taking off his a jacket and showing off his half-wessman-half-bison custom t-shirt.
