Champions Classic renewed with Kentucky through 2028

Are you a fan of Kentucky participating in college basketball’s ultimate tip-off event each season? Get used to it, because it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

The Champions Classic, an annual battle of the nation’s best dating back to 2011, has been renewed through 2028. The announcement came in the hours leading up to the 2024 event featuring Kansas vs. Michigan State in the first matchup at 6:30 p.m. ET and Kentucky vs. Duke wrapping up the evening at 9 p.m. ET in Atlanta inside State Farm Arena.

It’s been the Wildcats, Blue Devils, Jayhawks and Spartans since the event started in 2011 and it will continue that way through 2028. Kentucky opened up with a 75-65 win over Kansas in the series opener at Madison Square Garden while Duke defeated Michigan State. The four teams have rotated opponents along with varying cities since, including Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis and New York City.

“We are extremely excited about the continuation of this premier event in college basketball,” UK head coach Mark Pope said. “For nearly 15 years, the Champions Classic has showcased the nation’s best programs, seen unforgettable moments, featured terrific games and been the stage where players have become stars.”

The doubleheader event will move back to New York City inside Madison Square Garden on Nov. 18, 2025 while future sites will be announced for Nov. 10, 2026, Nov. 9, 2027 and Nov. 7, 2028.

The Cats will take on the Spartans next season, followed by the Jayhawks in 2026, Blue Devils in 2027 and Spartans again in 2028.

Date	Matchups	City	Arena
Nov. 18, 2025	Michigan State vs. Kentucky	New York	Madison Square Garden
Nov. 10, 2026	Kansas vs. Kentucky
Nov. 9, 2027	Kentucky vs. Duke
Nov. 7, 2028	Kentucky vs. Michigan State

Time to get the Mark Pope era started off with a win inside State Farm Arena.