UNC sets the CBS Sports Classic stage with new blue blood added for 2026

Mark your calendars: the Tar Heels are coming to the Big Apple in 2026!

The CBS Sports Classic announced the field of teams for the next four events, including the 2026 event. This year, the annual classic returns to New York City, as Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels will square off against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Starting this year, the Kansas Jayhawks are now among the field of teams. The other three competitors: North Carolina, Ohio State and Kentucky, have re-upped to compete in the event for the next four years.

While locations for future CBS Sports Classic events has yet to be determined, we do know who the Tar Heels will compete against on each occasion:

2026- Kentucky (Madison Square Garden)
2027- Kansas
2028-Ohio State
2029- Kentucky

The good news for the Tar Heel fans within the tri-state area is that the beloved UNC basketball program will once again compete at one of the historic venues in all of sports. Since Hubert Davis took over as the program's head coach, UNC has made more of an effort to make trips to the New York area to compete, something that was a common trend during the Dean Smith era.

North Carolina has seen quite a bit of Kentucky over the past few seasons, especially during non-conference play during the 2025-2026 campaign. The Tar Heels defeated the Wildcats in the ACC/SEC Challenge at Rupp Arena on December 2 by a score of 67-64.

Here's more information for the event:

Fans will have the opportunity to purchase official travel packages for the CBS Sports Classic, which will include game tickets for both contests of the doubleheader and hotel accommodations near Madison Square Garden. Fan travel packages are set to go on sale in August, allowing fans exclusive early access to secure their seats for the event ahead of the launch of public ticket sales. Tickets for the public will go on sale later in September.

Fans interested in attending the event can register to receive direct email alerts regarding ticket news and other event details at www.cbssportsclassic.com/tickets. Fans who register for these alerts will receive key information on travel package sales and will also be eligible for an exclusive ticket presale.