LEXINGTON, Ky. — A pair of college basketball powerhouses will once again do battle on the hardwood in one of the greatest collegiate rivalries in the area.

The University of Kentucky and Indiana University have agreed to a four-game series beginning in the 2025 season and will run through the 2028-29 season.

“It’s great to renew this series, which is among the most competitive rivalries and storied traditions of college basketball,” UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said. “The matchup will resume its place as one of the nation’s most anticipated games of the season. This emanated from Coach Cal and Coach Woodson getting together and talking about playing again. I’ve enjoyed spending time with Scott Dolson and getting to know him better as we’ve worked out the details.”

“This is an exciting day for not only IU and UK Basketball, but college basketball,” said Indiana Athletics Director Scott Dolson. He added, “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 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.”

UK and IU will each host two home games. Indiana has opted to play one of those games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to give more fans a chance to see the two programs.

The Cats and the Hoosiers have played each other 10 times in Indianapolis from 1987 to 2005 at the Hoosier/RCA Dome. Crowds for some of those games were over 40,000 according to a joint release from the schools.

The series schedule is: 

• Dec. 20, 2025 — Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, Lexington, Ky.
• Dec. 27, 2026 — Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind. (IU home game)
• Dec. 18, 2027 — Rupp Arena Central Bank Center, Lexington, Ky.
• Dec. 16, 2028 — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Ind. 

“This is a really important rivalry to our fans and the game of college basketball and we’re happy to bring it back,” UK head coach 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!” 

“This is a great day for our program and our fans,” Indiana 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.”

The Dec. 2025 game will be the first regular season game between the two teams since Indiana’s 73-72 victory at Assembly Hall on Dec. 10, 2011. UK and IU have met twice since the 2011 game in the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky leads the all-time series between the two blue bloods, 32-25. Kentucky ranks second all-time with eight national championships, while Indiana is fourth with five.