Tar Heels Headed to the Big Apple for 2026 CBS Sports Classic Showdown with Kentucky
Circle the date and clear your calendars-North Carolina is headed back to Madison Square Garden in 2026, and they’re bringing some blue-blood energy with them.
The CBS Sports Classic has officially revealed its lineup for the next four years, and the 2026 edition will see the Tar Heels take on the Kentucky Wildcats in New York City. That matchup alone is enough to get college hoops fans buzzing, but the setting?
The World’s Most Famous Arena. It doesn’t get much bigger than that.
A Familiar Face Joins the Fray
There’s a new addition to the CBS Sports Classic rotation: the Kansas Jayhawks. Starting this year, Kansas joins the annual four-team showcase, which already features North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio State. All four programs have committed to participating through 2029, setting the stage for a series of marquee matchups over the next several seasons.
Here’s how the Tar Heels’ future CBS Sports Classic opponents line up:
- 2026 - vs. Kentucky (Madison Square Garden, NYC)
- 2027 - vs. Kansas
- 2028 - vs. Ohio State
- 2029 - vs. Kentucky
While the venues for the 2027-2029 events haven’t been announced yet, the 2026 showdown in New York is locked in-and it’s a meaningful return for UNC.
Tar Heels Return to Their NYC Roots
For fans in the tri-state area, this is a homecoming of sorts. Under Hubert Davis, North Carolina has made a point of reconnecting with its New York ties-something that was a hallmark of the Dean Smith era. The Tar Heels have made multiple trips to the area in recent seasons, and this return to MSG continues that trend.
Playing at Madison Square Garden is more than just a neutral-site game; it’s a stage with history, pressure, and prestige. For a program like UNC, it’s a chance to showcase their talent in front of a national audience-and in a city that knows basketball.
A Rematch Worth Watching
This won’t be the first time UNC and Kentucky lock horns in recent memory. The two teams already squared off earlier this season in the ACC/SEC Challenge, with the Tar Heels edging the Wildcats 67-64 at Rupp Arena. That game was a defensive slugfest, and if the rematch at MSG is anything like it, fans are in for a classic.
Both teams bring elite talent, storied histories, and passionate fanbases. When they meet in 2026, expect high stakes and high drama.
How to Be There
For fans looking to catch the action live, official travel packages for the CBS Sports Classic will go on sale in August. These packages include tickets to both games of the doubleheader, plus hotel accommodations near Madison Square Garden. It’s a great way to lock in premium seats before public ticket sales open in September.
Fans can register at cbssportsclassic.com/tickets to receive updates on travel packages and access to an exclusive presale window.
So whether you’re a die-hard Tar Heel, a Kentucky loyalist, or just a fan of big-time college basketball, the 2026 CBS Sports Classic is shaping up to be a must-watch event. North Carolina vs.
Kentucky at Madison Square Garden? That’s not just a game-it’s a moment.