New York City, January 30, 2026
The CBS Sports Classic has added the University of Kansas to its prestigious roster, joining Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio State. The event is set to continue through 2029, showcasing thrilling doubleheaders at Madison Square Garden. Upcoming matchups include Kansas vs. Ohio State and North Carolina vs. Kentucky in 2026. As ticket packages become available, fans are eager to participate in this celebrated college basketball tradition, reflecting the strength and legacy of these powerhouse programs.
CBS Sports Classic Welcomes Kansas to the Prestigious Lineup
Exciting college basketball matchups set through 2029 in NYC.
Lexington, KY – The CBS Sports Classic, an illustrious annual event in the college basketball calendar, has expanded its roster to include the University of Kansas, joining heavyweight programs Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio State. Initially launched in 2014, the event has now been confirmed to extend through 2029, fortifying its position as a premier platform for college athletics.
Each year, the CBS Sports Classic provides a thrilling doubleheader at Madison Square Garden, captivating fans and showing the strength and commitment of college basketball programs. This expansion reflects not just the tradition of these storied programs, but also the power of collaboration and individual initiative in American sports. The infusion of a new team into this competitive showcase can be a vital catalyst for fostering community engagement and excitement around college sports.
2026 CBS Sports Classic Details
The upcoming CBS Sports Classic is slated for Saturday, December 19, 2026. This year, college basketball enthusiasts can look forward to the following matchups:
- Kansas vs. Ohio State
- North Carolina vs. Kentucky
Future Matchups and Dates
Looking ahead, the CBS Sports Classic has already established matchups for 2027, 2028, and 2029:
- December 18, 2027: Kansas vs. North Carolina; Kentucky vs. Ohio State
- December 16, 2028: Kansas vs. Kentucky; North Carolina vs. Ohio State
- December 15, 2029: Kansas vs. Ohio State; Kentucky vs. North Carolina
Background on the CBS Sports Classic
Since its inception in 2014, the CBS Sports Classic has showcased some of the most esteemed teams in college basketball, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, and previously UCLA. The format allows each institution to compete annually in a doubleheader, fostering a sense of community and rivalry that college sports fans treasure. Broadcasting on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, this event reaches a wide audience, enhancing its significance within the sports community.
Ticket Information
For those keen to experience the thrill of college basketball in person, official travel packages will be available starting in August. These packages include tickets to both games in the doubleheader and accommodations near Madison Square Garden. Public ticket sales will follow later in September, allowing enthusiasts ample opportunity to plan ahead and secure their spots at this celebrated event.
Additional Information
Kansas will also maintain its participation in the State Farm Champions Classic, extending through November 2028, with their next matchup against Kentucky occurring on November 10, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. This commitment to top-tier competitions not only solidifies Kansas’s profile in college athletics but also contributes positively to the overall competitiveness of college basketball nationwide.
Key Takeaways
This expansion of the CBS Sports Classic signifies an ongoing dedication to enhancing the college basketball experience for fans and communities alike. By supporting events like this, local enthusiasts can contribute to a vibrant sports culture while enjoying thrilling matchups among some of the best teams in the nation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Participating Teams | Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State |
| Event Start Year | 2014 |
| Broadcast Information | Annually on CBS and streamed live on Paramount+ |
| 2026 Event Date | December 19, 2026 |
| 2026 Event Location | Madison Square Garden, New York City |
| 2026 Matchups | Kansas vs. Ohio State; North Carolina vs. Kentucky |
| Ticket Sales Start | August 2026 |
FAQ
What is the CBS Sports Classic?
The CBS Sports Classic is an annual college basketball event that began in 2014, featuring four of the nation’s top programs: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, and UCLA. Each team plays one game each year, with the four teams completing a doubleheader. The event is broadcast annually on CBS and streamed live on Paramount+.
When and where is the 2026 CBS Sports Classic taking place?
The 2026 CBS Sports Classic is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The matchups for this year’s event are Kansas vs. Ohio State and North Carolina vs. Kentucky.
How can I purchase tickets for the CBS Sports Classic?
Fans interested in attending the CBS Sports Classic can purchase official travel packages, which include game tickets for both contests of the doubleheader and hotel accommodations near Madison Square Garden. Travel packages are set to go on sale in August, allowing fans exclusive early access to secure their seats for the event ahead of the launch of public ticket sales. Tickets for the public will go on sale later in September.
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