The 2026 Champions Classic will feature Duke, Michigan State, Kentucky and Kansas, four of college basketball’s most prominent programs, in a marquee showcase.
The event offers each team an opportunity to earn a high-profile victory against elite competition. For Duke, Michigan State, Kentucky and Kansas, the key focus will be turning the matchup into an early statement win.
Marquee programs, major stakes
The Champions Classic has long served as a national-stage test for top programs. In 2026, the spotlight again falls on four teams with the chance to strengthen their profiles through a signature result.