Duke and North Texas to Meet in Inaugural Foundry Classic in San Antonio

November 7–8 weekend to feature women’s college basketball, student-athlete engagement, leadership experiences, and First-Generation College Celebration

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS | September 22, 2026 — Something great is being forged in San Antonio.

The Foundry will make its debut November 7–8, 2026, bringing together women’s college basketball, student opportunity, and leadership experiences. The inaugural weekend will culminate in The Foundry Classic, featuring Duke University and the University of North Texas on Sunday, November 8, at 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET.

The matchup brings together two programs led by head coaches with distinct leadership journeys. Duke Head Coach Kara Lawson arrives following her gold-medal coaching achievement with USA Basketball at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. North Texas Head Coach Jason Burton leads a Mean Green program pursuing continued growth, a conference championship, and postseason success.

Beyond the game, The Foundry will create opportunities for students to engage with the athletes and leaders they will see competing on Sunday.

The Foundry Future Summit: Where Opportunity Meets Preparation

The weekend begins Saturday, November 7, with The Foundry Future Summit, a student-centered experience taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT.

Student-athletes from Duke and North Texas will participate through dedicated residency spaces for each program, providing opportunities for students to engage with college athletes beyond the basketball court. Conversations and experiences will explore college life, academic and athletic preparation, leadership, personal growth, and pathways beyond high school.

The Summit will also formally incorporate First-Generation College Celebration, recognizing students preparing to become the first in their families to attend college, as well as the first-generation students and graduates whose journeys can inspire them.

The national celebration takes place annually on November 8, creating a meaningful connection between The Foundry’s inaugural weekend and the students, families, and communities navigating the journey to higher education.

The Foundry Table: Forged Before the Spotlight

On Saturday evening, Duke Head Coach Kara Lawson and North Texas Head Coach Jason Burton will be featured in a moderated conversation at The Foundry Table, an invitation-only leadership dinner taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. CT.

Under the theme “Forged Before the Spotlight,” the coaches will explore what it takes to build championship people before championship moments, sharing perspectives on preparation, leadership, relationships, and the experiences that shape individuals and teams.

The Foundry Table brings the weekend’s guiding message to life: Prepare. Lead. Perform.

Building Opportunity Beyond the Game

“The Foundry was created around a simple belief: when people have access to the right experiences, relationships, and opportunities, their futures can change,” said Keydrick Barlow, Founder & Principal of Barlow Legacy Enterprises. “We want students to see what is possible for their own lives, families to share in a meaningful experience, and fans to enjoy an outstanding women’s basketball matchup. If someone leaves this weekend with a new relationship, a new perspective, or a stronger belief in what they can accomplish, then we have built something that matters beyond the final score.”

The Foundry is a proprietary event property developed by BLE Events, the event development and operating business of Barlow Legacy Enterprises, LLC.

Additional information about the Foundry Future Summit, The Foundry Table, The Foundry Classic, and ticket availability will be announced through the official event website.

Visit experiencethefoundry.com  to explore the weekend and register for ticket notifications.

About The Foundry

The Foundry is a proprietary BLE Events property connecting women’s college basketball, student opportunity, and leadership through distinctive live experiences. Its inaugural November 7–8, 2026, weekend in San Antonio features the Foundry Future Summit, The Foundry Table, and The Foundry Classic.

Prepare. Lead. Perform.

Media & Partnership

partnerships@barlowlegacyenterprises.com

experiencethefoundry.com