Introduction to the 2025-26 College Basketball Season
Madison Square Garden is on track to return to its former glory as the center of college basketball in the upcoming 2025-2026 basketball season. The World’s Most Famous Arena will host eight of the top 10 and 13 of the top 25 teams in the Associated Press preseason rankings this season.
The Significance of Madison Square Garden
“Madison Square Garden will once again be the top destination for college basketball this season,” Joel Fisher, executive vice president of MSG Entertainment, said. “We are thrilled to host eight of the top 10 and 13 of the top 25 teams in the country, along with a record number of St. John’s games.
St. John’s Record-Breaking Season
St. John’s, ranked a program-best No. 5 in the preseason poll and the defending Big East regular-season champions, will play 13 games at the Garden this season. Led by head coach Rick Pitino, this is the most games played at MSG since the 1950-51 season and will set a record number at the current Arena.
Team Updates and Additions
Following a run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Red Storm brought in the No. 1 transfer portal class in the country this season, including Ian Jackson, Dillon Mitchell, Oziyah Sellers, Bryce Hopkins, and Joson Sanon. They will join forces with the returning Big East Most Improved Player, Zuby Ejiofor.
Upcoming Games and Matchups
For the first time in Garden history, the college basketball slate tipped off in October when St. John’s played No. 7 Michigan in an exhibition matchup. Following this, the Red Storm will face No. 15 Alabama, Ole Miss, and Iona.
Conference play will feature MSG-hosted matchups against Providence, Marquette, Seton Hall, Butler, No. 4 UConn, Xavier, No. 23 Creighton, Villanova, and Georgetown as part of the regular season schedule.
Special Events and Tournaments
Additionally, the State Farm Champions Classic, featuring No. 6 Duke, No. 19 Kansas, No. 9 Kentucky, and No. 22 Michigan State, will return to MSG on Nov. 18. This neutral-site doubleheader debuted at MSG in 2011 and returned in 2016, 2019, and 2021.
No. 17 Illinois will also return to MSG for the fourth consecutive season to play against UConn in a rematch of the 2024 East Regional Final in the SentinelOne Showdown on Black Friday this year.
To conclude the season, the Big East Tournament will return to Madison Square Garden for the 44th consecutive year from March 11-14.
Conclusion
Madison Square Garden is set to be the mecca of college basketball once again in the 2025-26 season, with a record-breaking number of games and top-ranked teams. The Garden will host a variety of exciting matchups and tournaments, including the State Farm Champions Classic and the Big East Tournament. With St. John’s playing a record number of games at the Garden, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere and top-notch basketball.
FAQs
For more information on the upcoming college basketball season at Madison Square Garden, including schedules, ticket information, and team updates, visit AMNY.com.
Q: What is the schedule for St. John’s games at Madison Square Garden?
A: St. John’s will play 13 games at the Garden this season, with matchups against top-ranked teams including No. 7 Michigan, No. 15 Alabama, and No. 4 UConn.
Q: What special events and tournaments will be held at Madison Square Garden this season?
A: The State Farm Champions Classic, featuring No. 6 Duke, No. 19 Kansas, No. 9 Kentucky, and No. 22 Michigan State, will return to MSG on Nov. 18, and the Big East Tournament will be held from March 11-14.
Q: How can I get tickets to college basketball games at Madison Square Garden?
A: Ticket information and schedules can be found on the official Madison Square Garden website or through AMNY.com.
