Kentucky and Gonzaga End Nonconference Basketball Series

Overview

• The two schools issued a joint announcement Wednesday that they mutually agreed to discontinue the planned multi-year series so the remaining games would not be played.
• The cancellation forgoes the two remaining dates that had been scheduled for Rupp Arena in 2026–27 and McCarthey Athletic Center in 2027–28.
• The matchups began in 2022 after being arranged under former Kentucky coach John Calipari, and four games were played through 2025 with Gonzaga leading the series 3-1.
• Kentucky and Gonzaga said the move is meant to free calendar space so each program can prioritize conference obligations and pursue other nonconference options, and neither school named replacement opponents.
• The series was marketed as a marquee nonconference set when announced and its end frees high-profile dates that could be used for other televised matchups or to ease travel and recruiting demands for both programs.