A long-rumored matchup has been added to UConn men’s basketball schedule, putting the icing on what might be the hardest nonconference schedule in the nation in the 2026-27 season.

UConn and Virginia both announced Wednesday that they will meet Dec. 20 at Madison Square Garden. Game time is 3 p.m. ET, and ESPN will air the contest.

Marquee matchup at @TheGarden 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/TnJPKeBwP6

— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) September 2, 2026

Virginia head coach Ryan Odom called the game a “tremendous opportunity” for the Cavaliers.

“We are thrilled to announce this tremendous opportunity to play UConn at Madison Square Garden,” Odom said Wednesday. “Madison Square Garden is the world’s most famous arena, and we are excited to bring our program to New York City and compete against one of the premier programs in the country.

“We have great respect for coach Dan Hurley and UConn, and we know this will be a terrific environment for a college basketball game.”

UConn vs. Virginia

The Huskies are 6-2 all-time against the Cavaliers and have taken the past five in the series, most recently winning nearly 30 years ago by a 74-63 margin. UConn was victorious on Dec. 10, 1997, with a lineup that featured three future NBA players: Richard Hamilton, Khalid El-Amin and Jake Voksuhl.

The first game between the two was played in 1965 and won by the Cavaliers.

Madison Square Garden

Unless the Huskies are facing Big East rival St. John’s, they generally have the home-court advantage at the venue nicknamed Storrs South.

The Huskies have an 81-64 all-time record at MSG; Hurley’s teams are 19-10. UConn has won 13 of its last 17 at the historic venue.

Virginia has not played at MSG since a 61-59 loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16 round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers are 6-5 at Madison Square Garden since 1968.

The Huskies also will meet St. John’s at the arena in the upcoming season, and the Big East tournament will be held there – as will the NCAA East Regional, should UConn land there.

The schedule

UConn fans likely have been following schedule news, but here it is – as a reminder of just what the Huskies face.

Hurley has said he prefers tough nonconference schedules to “buy” games. He will get his wish beginning against defending national champion Michigan, who defeated the Huskies 69-63 in the title game in April.

Nov. 6: Michigan (at Boston)
Nov. 13: Ohio State (home)
Nov. 18: Arizona (in Tucson, Ariz.)
Nov. 25: Duke (in Las Vegas)
Dec. 4: Illinois (in Chicago)
Dec. 12: Kansas (home)