When it comes to the rivalry matchup between North Carolina and Duke, the game is almost guaranteed to be featured in a primetime slot.
Over recent years, these games have typically been aired on ESPN and have started at 6:30 PM EST. However, this year, at least for the meeting in Durham, there's been a slight change of plans.
UNC's trip to Duke earns an earlier Saturday evening time slot
This year's meeting in Durham between the Tar Heels and Blue Devils will tip-off at 5:30 PM EST. The game will also shift from it's typical ESPN location to ABC.
ESPN has announced that Carolina's Feb. 13 game at Duke will begin at 5:30 p.m. on ABC. pic.twitter.com/I31SmTwiYl
— Carolina Basketball Stats & Info (@UNCMBBStats) October 1, 2026
Between this game and the Super Bowl (being held the day after), this just might be the biggest sports weekend of the entire calendar year. Of course, who could forget that this is also Valentine's Day weekend, as those who have a special someone in their lives must also figure out a way to show them how much they care about them over the 48 hour span.
The good news is that the time for this game is now finalized, so you can plan accordingly around it!
It's no shock that Duke and North Carolina claim the national spotlight once again. When these two teams meet on the basketball court, it's must-see television for essentially anyone who follows sports.
Not many rivalries come close to what these two Blue Blood programs have, as it always seems to deliver!
What makes this game even more enticing is that it will be the first time Michael Malone coaches against the Blue Devils. You know the Cameron Crazies will be going nuts for this one, making sure they welcome Malone to the rivalry accordingly.
Both games between these two historic programs are always ones that fans circle on the calendar when the initial schedule is released. Now, at least for one of the games, fans have a time slot and television network information to mark on their calendars, knowing ahead of time that the rematch in Chapel Hill a few weeks later will likely receive the same treatment.
Duke vs. North Carolina. It just means more!
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