The State Farm Champions Classic is coming back to Chicago — and this time, it’s not just another game night. On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the State Farm Champions Classic will tip off at the United Center, pitting two college basketball dynasties against each other: the Michigan State University Spartans vs. the Duke University Blue Devils, followed by the University of Kansas Jayhawks vs. the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Announced on November 20, 2025 by ESPN Events and title sponsor State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the 2026 edition isn’t just another matchup — it’s a milestone.
Chicago Ties New York for Most Hosts
This will be the fifth time Chicago has hosted the Champions Classic, matching the record set by Madison Square Garden in New York City. Previous Chicago editions came in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2023. The 2026 event now locks both venues into a tie as the most frequent hosts since the tournament’s inception in 2011. Oddly enough, the press release mentions the United Center hosted the inaugural 2011 event — which would make it six Chicago appearances — but official records still count only five, leaving fans and historians scratching their heads. Either way, Chicago’s grip on the event is undeniable.The United Center isn’t just a basketball arena — it’s the beating heart of The 1901 Project, a $7 billion neighborhood transformation stretching across Chicago’s Near West Side. According to the November 2025 announcement, the project aims to "connect the city through the unifying power of sports, music and culture." That’s not marketing fluff. The arena’s management, Chicago Stadium Partners, L.P., says the Champions Classic isn’t just about tickets sold — it’s about jobs created, small businesses boosted, and local youth inspired.
State Farm’s 15-Year Loyalty
Since that first game in 2011, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company has never wavered. Headquartered at 1 State Farm Plaza in Bloomington, Illinois, the insurer has backed this event longer than any other corporate sponsor in college basketball history. That’s rare. Most brands hop from one big event to the next. But State Farm? They’ve stayed. And it shows. Their branding isn’t just on the court — it’s in the pre-game show, the ticketing portal, even the fan zones. College GameDay Covered by State Farm® returned to the Champions Classic in 2025 after a six-year absence, broadcasting live from Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2025 — a sign the event’s momentum is growing.And the numbers back it up. Kansas leads all teams with 9 wins and 5 losses in Champions Classic history. Duke, with 8 wins and 6 losses, is right behind. Kentucky and Michigan State? They’ve had tougher runs — 6-8 and 5-9 respectively. But that’s the beauty of this event: it’s not about who’s undefeated. It’s about legacy. These aren’t just games. They’re rites of passage for recruits, coaching legacies, and fan identities.
What’s Next for Fans?
Tickets for the 2026 event go on sale to the general public in September 2026, but early access is already open. Fans can sign up for pre-sale access through espnevents.com/champions-classic/pre-sale-sign-up — though, for now, that’s the only link you’ll find. Game times? Those won’t be announced until summer 2026. And if you’re hoping for a 7 p.m. tip-off like last year? Don’t count on it. The schedule has shifted before — sometimes to accommodate TV slots, sometimes to align with holiday travel.ESPN Events, the division of ESPN Inc. that runs the tournament, makes sure every game hits national screens. The 2025 edition aired on ESPN, with both matchups drawing strong ratings. Expect nothing less in 2026. The United Center will be packed — not just with students and alumni, but with recruiters, agents, and NBA scouts. This isn’t just college basketball. It’s the pipeline.
The Bigger Picture: Chicago’s Big Stage
Let’s not forget: this isn’t just about basketball. The The 1901 Project is a $7 billion bet on Chicago’s future. It’s not just building a better arena — it’s creating affordable housing, expanding public transit access, and funding local arts programs. The Champions Classic? It’s a catalyst. Every time a team like Duke or Kansas rolls into town, it brings 20,000 fans, 500 media members, and millions in economic activity. Local restaurants, hotels, and ride-share drivers all benefit. And for kids growing up in the Near West Side? Seeing their city host the nation’s biggest college basketball rivalry? That’s inspiration you can’t buy.Some might call it a spectacle. But for Chicago, it’s a statement. The city doesn’t just host big events — it owns them. And with the United Center as its centerpiece, it’s clear: this isn’t just a game. It’s a movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the State Farm Champions Classic so important for college basketball?
The Champions Classic is one of the few annual neutral-site events that consistently features the nation’s top four programs — Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State. It’s a barometer of elite talent, often showcasing future NBA draft picks and coaching rivalries that span decades. With all games broadcast nationally, it’s a massive platform for recruiting and brand exposure, making it more than just a regular-season game.
Why has Chicago hosted the event so often?
Chicago’s central U.S. location, strong fan base for all four teams, and the United Center’s capacity and media infrastructure make it ideal. The city’s deep basketball tradition — from high school legends to the Bulls’ legacy — ensures packed crowds. Plus, the $7 billion The 1901 Project has turned the arena into a cultural hub, making it a strategic priority for ESPN and State Farm.
Which team has the best record in Champions Classic history?
The University of Kansas Jayhawks lead with 9 wins and 5 losses since 2011. Duke is close behind at 8-6, while Kentucky and Michigan State trail with 6-8 and 5-9 records, respectively. Kansas’s consistency — including a 2023 win over Kentucky — shows why they’re considered the most reliable powerhouse in the event’s history.
How does the 2026 event tie into The 1901 Project?
The 2026 Champions Classic is a flagship event for The 1901 Project, a $7 billion initiative to revitalize Chicago’s Near West Side. The game brings national attention, boosts local businesses, and funds youth programs tied to sports and culture. State Farm and ESPN Events have explicitly linked the event to job creation and economic opportunity — making it more than a game, but a community investment.
When will tickets go on sale, and how can fans get early access?
General ticket sales begin in September 2026, but fans can sign up now for pre-sale access via espnevents.com/champions-classic/pre-sale-sign-up. Early access is first-come, first-served, and requires registration by summer 2026. Game times, expected to be announced in summer 2026, will likely align with ESPN’s prime-time TV schedule, possibly starting at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. CT.
Why is there confusion about how many times Chicago has hosted the event?
The 2025 press release lists five Chicago hosts (2013, 2015, 2017, 2023, and 2026), but also notes the inaugural 2011 game was held at the United Center — which would make it six. This discrepancy may stem from how the event was branded in 2011, or whether that year was counted differently in official records. Until ESPN Events clarifies, the official count remains five, tying New York’s record.