Champions Classic Returns to Chicago in 2026

ESPN Events’ State Farm Champions Classic season-opening men’s college basketball event featuring Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State will be played at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 10, 2026.

The neutral site doubleheader returns to the United Center for the fifth time, tying Madison Square Garden for the most times hosting the event. The State Farm Champions Classic was also held in Chicago in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2023. The 2026 event will feature Michigan State vs. Duke and Kansas vs. Kentucky.

This year's 15th annual State Farm Champions Classic featured No. 17 Michigan State facing No. 12 Kentucky on ESPN, followed by No. 24 Kansas vs. No. 5 Duke at Madison Square Garden in New York. Additionally, College GameDay Covered by State Farm® returns to the event for the first time since 2019, broadcasting live from the Madison Square Garden floor at 6 p.m. 

State Farm has been the title sponsor of the Champions Classic since the inaugural doubleheader in 2011.

Tickets for the 2026 State Farm Champions Classic will go on sale in the fall. Fans can sign up for first access through the event pre-sale at ESPN events.