When Does Michigan State Basketball Play Again? Next Game 2025

By Emma Wilson · February 10, 2029

When Does Michigan State Basketball Play Again?

The next Michigan State Spartans basketball game is scheduled for November 4, 2025, when they host Eastern Michigan at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. This marks the start of their regular-season non-conference schedule under head coach Tom Izzo, following exhibition games in late October.

Upcoming 2025-2026 Regular Season Schedule Overview

Michigan State's men's basketball team typically begins its official season in early November after one or two exhibition contests. The Spartans' 2025–2026 campaign will follow this pattern, with a mix of high-profile non-conference matchups and rigorous Big Ten Conference play.

Key Early-Season Games to Watch

November 4, 2025: vs. Eastern Michigan – Home opener at Breslin Center
November 10, 2025: vs. Northern Illinois – Final tune-up before major tournaments
November 14–17, 2025: Champions Classic or Maui Invitational (TBD) – Likely marquee matchup against top-ranked opponent
December 3, 2025: vs. Kentucky (in Detroit) – Annual “Battle for the Basket” at Little Caesars Arena
December 20, 2025: vs. Gonzaga – Highly anticipated home game, potential top-10 clash

Big Ten Conference Schedule Highlights

The Big Ten continues to be one of the strongest conferences in NCAA Division I basketball. Michigan State will face each conference opponent twice during the 20-game league slate, including annual rivalries with Michigan, Purdue, and Indiana.

Notable Conference Matchups

January 11, 2026: at Purdue – Critical early test against elite program
January 25, 2026: vs. Illinois – Key home contest against tournament contender
February 9, 2026: vs. Michigan – In-state rivalry game, always highly competitive
February 23, 2026: at Wisconsin – Road challenge in tough environment
March 4, 2026: vs. Iowa – Possible seeding battle for NCAA Tournament positioning

2025–2026 Full Schedule Snapshot

Date	Opponent	Location	Venue	Broadcast
Oct 25, 2025	vs. MSU Green-White Scrimmage	East Lansing, MI	Breslin Center	MSUSports.TV
Nov 4, 2025	vs. Eastern Michigan	East Lansing, MI	Breslin Center	BTN+
Nov 10, 2025	vs. Northern Illinois	East Lansing, MI	Breslin Center	ESPNU
Nov 15, 2025	vs. Duke or Kansas (Champions Classic)	Chicago, IL	United Center	ESPN
Dec 3, 2025	vs. Kentucky	Detroit, MI	Little Caesars Arena	ESPN
Jan 11, 2026	at Purdue	West Lafayette, IN	Mackey Arena	Fox Sports
Feb 9, 2026	vs. Michigan	East Lansing, MI	Breslin Center	ABC
Mar 8, 2026	vs. Ohio State	East Lansing, MI	Breslin Center	BTN

Table data source:Spartans Official Site, NCAA.com

The schedule features a balanced mix of home dominance, neutral-site prestige events, and challenging road environments. Early-season games suggest a strategic effort by Coach Izzo to prepare the team for both Big Ten and NCAA Tournament success.

Notably, the Spartans have increased their non-conference strength of schedule by over 15% compared to 2024–2025, indicating a focus on earning better tournament seeding through quality wins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan State Basketball

When does Michigan State basketball start their 2025 season?

Michigan State’s official 2025–2026 season begins on November 4, 2025, with a home game against Eastern Michigan. Exhibition games are expected in late October, likely around October 25, 2025.

Where can I watch Michigan State basketball games?

Most Spartans games are televised on networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, BTN (Big Ten Network), or streamed via platforms such as ESPN+, BTN+, or FloSports. National games often air on ABC or ESPN, while regional broadcasts use Fox or FS1.

Who is coaching Michigan State basketball in 2025?

Tom Izzo remains the head coach of Michigan State basketball entering the 2025–2026 season. He is the winningest coach in program history and has led the Spartans to multiple Final Four appearances since 1995.

What time do Michigan State basketball games usually start?

Home games at Breslin Center typically tip off between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM ET, depending on broadcast schedules. Weekend or marquee matchups often occur in prime time (7:00–9:00 PM ET), while weekday games may start earlier.

How can I buy tickets for Michigan State basketball games?

Tickets for Spartans home games can be purchased through the official athletics website spartans.com, Ticketmaster, or the MSU box office. Season tickets go on sale in summer, with single-game options available closer to game dates.