Next UK Basketball Game: Date, Time & How to Watch

By Sarah Miller · September 27, 2031

The next UK basketball game is scheduled for November 4, 2025, when the University of Kentucky Wildcats face off against the Kansas Jayhawks at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM EST. This highly anticipated season opener will mark the start of the 2025-26 NCAA men's basketball season for the Wildcats under head coach Mark Pope.

Upcoming UK Basketball Game Details

The University of Kentucky men's basketball team, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, begins its 2025-26 campaign with a marquee matchup against perennial powerhouse Kansas. The game offers fans an early-season glimpse into how Coach Mark Pope's roster will perform against elite competition.

Venue and Broadcast Information

Venue: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Date: Monday, November 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV Network: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN App (authentication required)
Ticket Availability: Tickets go on sale September 15, 2025, via UK Athletics official website

Season Schedule Overview

The 2025-26 non-conference slate for the Wildcats features a mix of high-profile matchups and home-court advantages. The game against Kansas kicks off a challenging early-season schedule designed to prepare the team for SEC play and March Madness contention.

Key Non-Conference Games

Kansas (Home) – Nov 4
North Carolina (vs. in Chicago, IL) – Dec 14
Duquesne (Home) – Dec 21
Michigan State (Charity Exhibition in London, UK) – Aug 30, 2025 (exhibition)

Team Outlook for 2025-26 Season

Under second-year head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats are building a reputation for disciplined defense and versatile offensive schemes. With several top recruits joining the roster and key returning players gaining experience, expectations remain high for a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Projected Starting Lineup

PG: Lamont Butler (Sr, Transfer from San Diego State)
SG: Tre Johnson (Fr, 5-star recruit)
SF: Reed Sheppard (So, All-SEC Freshman Team)
PF: Koby Brea (Jr, Improved shooter and defender)
C: Chris Livingston (Sr, Returning after injury-shortened season)

Opponent	Date	Location	Tip-Off Time (EST)	Broadcast
Kansas	Nov 4, 2025	Rupp Arena (Lexington, KY)	7:00 PM	ESPN
Duquesne	Dec 21, 2025	Rupp Arena	2:00 PM	ESPNU
North Carolina	Dec 14, 2025	United Center (Chicago, IL)	6:30 PM	ABC
Louisville	Dec 28, 2025	Rupp Arena	9:00 PM	ESPN
Ohio State	Jan 4, 2026	Columbus, OH	4:00 PM	FOX

Table data source:1, 2

The upcoming schedule highlights Kentucky's commitment to strength of schedule, with four games against projected Top 25 opponents in the first two months. Home games at Rupp Arena continue to provide a significant advantage, with an average attendance exceeding 20,000 per game over the past decade.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Basketball

When is the next Kentucky Wildcats basketball game?

The next official Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball game is on November 4, 2025, against the Kansas Jayhawks at Rupp Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.

Where can I watch the next UK basketball game?

The upcoming UK vs. Kansas game will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can stream it via the ESPN App with a valid cable or streaming service login. International viewers may access the game through ESPN International or NCAA March Madness Live.

How can I buy tickets for the next Kentucky basketball game?

Tickets for UK home games, including the Kansas matchup, go on sale September 15, 2025, through the official UK Athletics website (ukathletics.com). Additional options include the Rupp Arena box office and verified secondary markets like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek.

Who is coaching the Kentucky basketball team in 2025?

Mark Pope is the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team for the 2025-26 season. He was hired in April 2024 after a successful tenure at BYU and brings an emphasis on culture, defense, and player development.

What is Kentucky’s full 2025-26 basketball schedule?

The full 2025-26 schedule includes 18 regular-season SEC games and a robust non-conference lineup featuring Kansas, North Carolina, Louisville, and Duquesne. The complete schedule is available on ukathletics.com/mbb, including dates, times, and broadcast details for all contests.