LARAMIE, Wyo. (Sept. 28, 2026) – The Wyoming Cowboys will play for another trophy this week, as Wyoming Athletics  in conjunction with North Dakota State University announced the start of The Battle of the Basins Trophy that will go to the winner of the contest each season.

The trophy, which will feature a wood base and both the iconic Steamboat logo, and the NDSU logo will also feature a Drill Bit on the top of the trophy from an oil field to honor the rich history of the petroleum industry in both states. The idea for the trophy was inspired by the North Dakota Petroleum Association. The game will celebrate football along with the great work of the petroleum industry in both states.

"We are excited to add the traveling trophy with a natural rival in NDSU, as our universities and state have so much in common with each other" UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman said. "The Battle of the Basins will be an excellent way to celebrate a conference football game along with great traditions of the petroleum industry in both Wyoming and North Dakota."

Saturday's contest will mark the second meeting between the two schools and the first ever meeting in the Fargodome. The two teams met on September 13, 2008 in Laramie with the Cowboys taking a 16-13 victory over the Bison.