Champions Classic Renewed Through 2028

The Champions Classic is here to stay.

The marquee early-season college basketball tournament has been renewed through 2028, ESPN Events announced on Tuesday. The event will continue to feature four of the nation's top programs—Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State—competing in a round-robin format at various neutral-site venues.

The Champions Classic was first held in 2011 and has quickly become one of the most popular events on the college basketball calendar. The tournament has featured some of the most memorable games in recent memory, including Duke's overtime win over Kentucky in 2012 and Kansas's come-from-behind victory over Michigan State in 2013.

The Champions Classic is a win-win for all involved.

For the participating schools, it's a chance to play in front of a national audience and test themselves against some of the best teams in the country. For ESPN, it's a chance to showcase its top college basketball talent and attract viewers to its networks.

And for fans, it's a chance to see some of the most exciting college basketball teams in the country compete in a high-stakes environment.

The Champions Classic will be held at the following venues in the coming years:

• 2023: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
• 2024: Madison Square Garden in New York City
• 2025: United Center in Chicago
• 2026: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
• 2027: Barclays Center in Brooklyn
• 2028: State Farm Arena in Atlanta

The Champions Classic is one of the most prestigious events in college basketball, and its renewal through 2028 is great news for fans of the sport.