ESPN Regional Television, Inc., a subsidiary of ESPN, in conjunction with Cancun Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the state of Quintana Roo, announced today the creation of the Cancun Governor’s Cup, an eight-team men’s college basketball tournament to be played at the new Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancun, Mexico. The Cancun Governor’s Cup will place an emphasis on supporting youth basketball initiatives within Mexico.

In advance of the inaugural Cancun Governor’s Cup, which will occur in December 2010, during next year’s college basketball season, Cancun will host a single-game event in January with Virginia Tech facing off against Seton Hall. Tickets for the special tipoff game on Wednesday, Jan. 2, are on sale now.

The eight-team field for the December 2010 tournament, as well as the exact dates and television schedule, will be announced in the spring. Conference USA will serve as the event’s sponsoring conference.

“We are excited to host this event and showcase basketball in one of the world’s premier destinations,” said Clint Overby, senior director of events, ESPN Regional Television. “We want to be able to create an atmosphere in which we can highlight the area to players, coaches and fans as well as offer an opportunity to promote basketball to the youth of Mexico.”

“It is a privilege to work with ESPN Regional Television and we are honored to be hosting the Governor’s Cup in Cancun,” said Jesús Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We welcome the opportunity to showcase our majestic destination in conjunction with such an important event.”

The new tournament in 2010-11 will feature 12 games through three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated will face off in a championship match.

The Cancun Governor’s Cup will support youth basketball initiatives in Mexico started by the Telmex Foundation and Mexican NBA star Eduardo Najera. The Telmex Najera Youth Basketball League is working to bring the game of basketball to the youth of Mexico. Since 2007, when the league was created, 60,000 kids from across Mexico have participated. The Cancun Governor’s Cup will annually offer tickets to the league for kids to experience collegiate basketball firsthand.

Cancun is a world-class vacation destination located on the coast of Mexico’s easternmost state, Quintana Roo. The area is known for its outstanding beaches, outdoor activities, dining and archaeological sites. December temperatures range from 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

The single game this season, as well as next season’s inaugural tournament, will be played at the Poliforum Benito Juarez, located on Boulevard Luis Donaldo S/N a few minutes from the Cancun International Airport. The arena was opened this year and is home to the Pioneros Quintana Roo, the basketball team of the state of Quintana Roo.

For ticket or travel information, visit: www.cancungovernorscup.com.