The Indiana-Kentucky men’s basketball series is officially back on.
But fans will have to wait a while until the storied programs meet on the court.
The schools announced Tuesday a four-game series starting in 2025 and running through 2028.
“This is a great day for our program and our fans,” Indiana head basketball coach Mike Woodson said. “Indiana-Kentucky is one of the best rivalries in college basketball, with so many great games over the years. We worked hard to get this done, and I could not be happier to be playing Kentucky once again.”
Two games will be at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., one at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and one at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington.
The Dec. 20, 2025, game at Rupp will be the first regular season game in the series since IU knocked off the then-No. 1 Wildcats, 73-72, on Christian Watford’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer on Dec. 10, 2011 in Bloomington.
Kentucky coach John Calipari had been against resuming the series after that game, but with Woodson now the head coach at Indiana, the door was open.
“This is a really important rivalry to our fans and the game of college basketball and we’re happy to bring it back,” John Calipari said. “Mike and I have been friends for years and I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and as a man. Let’s do this!”
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The remaining games of the series are:
Dec. 27, 2026: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Dec. 18, 2027: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, Lexington, Ky.
Dec. 16, 2028: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington
“This is an exciting day for not only IU and UK basketball, but college basketball,” IU athletic director Scott Dolson said. “When you consider the history, the passion, and the proximity of our schools, this is a game that means a great deal to so many people.
“I appreciate (Kentucky athletic director) Mitch Barnhart’s willingness to work together to resume what I believe to be college basketball’s best non-conference rivalry. I also appreciate the support of Coach Calipari and Coach Woodson and their desire to bring this series back. Their relationship is a big reason why we are able to make today’s announcement.”
Kentucky leads the all-time series, 32-25.
