The University of Kentucky Wildcats have unveiled the full tip‑off schedule and television designations for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season. Lexington fans now have a clear view of when the Wildcats will take the court at Rupp Arena and where to watch each game.
Season opener and early home games
The Wildcats open the regular season on Nov. 3 with a home matchup against Manhattan at 7 p.m., broadcast on SEC Network+. The following week, Nov. 6, Kentucky hosts James Madison at 7 p.m. on SEC Network. The first marquee road‑away contest arrives on Nov. 10 when the Wildcats travel to Kansas, a game slated for 9:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Mid‑season conference action
SEC competition intensifies throughout December and January. Highlights include a home game against Indiana on Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. on CBS, a visit to Virginia on Dec. 2 at 7:15 p.m. on ESPN, and a high‑profile showdown with North Carolina on Nov. 19 at 2:30 p.m. on CBS. The Wildcats also host Louisville on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. on ABC, providing a regional rivalry for fans.
Key road trips
Kentucky will travel to several SEC powerhouses. The Wildcats face Kansas State at Jan. 2 (12 p.m., ESPN/ESPN2) and head to Oklahoma on the same day for a noon game. Additional road dates include a trip to Missouri on Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. on ESPN2, a visit to Texas on Jan. 30 at 12 p.m. on ESPN/ESPN2, and an away game at Florida on Mar. 6 (4 or 4:30 p.m., ESPN).
Late‑season matchups and tournament positioning
As the season progresses, Kentucky will host LSU on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. (SEC Network) and Vanderbilt on Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN2). The Wildcats also meet Tennessee twice—at home on Jan. 23 (2 p.m., ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU) and on the road on Feb. 13 (4 p.m., ESPN). The final regular‑season games include a home contest against Texas A&M on Mar. 3 at 7 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPNU) and a road game at Florida on Mar. 6.
Exhibition games
Before the regular season begins, the Wildcats will play three exhibition games: Oct. 16 against Little Rock (7 p.m., SEC Network+), Oct. 23 versus Texas Tech (7 p.m., SEC Network+), and Oct. 28 against UCF (6 p.m., SEC Network+). These contests give fans an early look at the team’s preparation.
What this means for Lexington fans
With a balanced mix of home and away games, the schedule offers plenty of opportunities for local supporters to cheer on the Wildcats in person or via national broadcasts. The early home games on SEC Network+ and the high‑profile matchups on CBS, ABC and ESPN ensure that Kentucky basketball remains a centerpiece of the community’s fall and winter sports calendar.
Fans are encouraged to check the university’s athletics website for ticket information and any updates to game times or broadcast channels.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
