A non-conference series between two of college basketball’s top programs is no longer possible.
Kentucky and Gonzaga announced jointly on Wednesday that they would end their annual series, despite the fact that two games remained on their contract.
Shortly after the programs were unveiled, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reported plans for a new preseason tournament called the “Diamond Cup,” which would include Gonzaga, Kentucky, and six other high-profile schools.
According to the report, North Carolina, Kansas, UConn, Indiana, Michigan, and Arizona will all participate.
According to the study, the performance has not yet been agreed upon, and a structure has not been determined, but the eight institutions are engaged in “deep discussions. ” If approved, the event might begin as early as 2027-28. This might explain Kentucky and Gonzaga’s decision to call off the remaining home-and-home set of their series.
Kentucky was expected to host Gonzaga in 2026-27, while Gonzaga was supposed to host the event in 2027-28. Those matches will not be played.
The Wildcats and Bulldogs have met in each of the previous four seasons, with Gonzaga winning 3-1. Gonzaga defeated Kentucky 94-59 in Nashville in December.
According to a statement given to the media, the programs both decided to terminate the agreement early “to allow each program freedom to reevaluate future scheduling priorities, including conference commitments and nonconference opportunities. “
Kentucky has an 18-game schedule in the SEC. Gonzaga, meanwhile, is leaving its long-time WCC league home for the newly formed nine-team Pac-12 beginning next season. Assuming a home-and-home conference schedule, Gonzaga will play 16 conference games next season.
The Gonzaga-Kentucky series was first agreed upon by Gonzaga head coach Mark Few and Kentucky head coach John Calipari. Calipari and Kentucky have since divorced, with Calipari presently serving as the head coach at Arkansas. Mark Pope will begin his third season as Kentucky’s head coach in 2026-27.
