Carolina vs. Kentucky Game Time and Schedule

The tip-off times have been announced for the 2026 CBS Sports Classic, scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will feature a doubleheader of college basketball matchups between four of the nation’s top programs.

The University of North Carolina will face Kentucky at 2:30 p.m. This game will immediately follow the first matchup of the day, which features Kansas taking on Ohio State at 12:00 p.m.

The CBS Sports Classic began in 2014 as an annual showcase. The current agreement involving North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, and Ohio State has been extended through 2029.

Both games of the December 19 doubleheader will be broadcast on CBS and will be available for streaming via Paramount+.

Fans planning to attend the event in New York City can access official travel packages starting in August. These packages will include hotel accommodations located near Madison Square Garden as well as tickets for both contests in the doubleheader.

General ticket sales for the public are scheduled to begin later in September. Individuals interested in the event can register for email alerts regarding ticket news and presale eligibility through the official event website at www.cbssportsclassic.com/tickets.