The University of Arkansas and the University of Arizona have agreed to a multi‑year basketball series that will open on December 19, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The first contest will be played at the neutral venue as part of a broader scheduling agreement that also earmarks games in the 2027‑28 and 2028‑29 seasons, with a possible fourth meeting in 2029‑30.
Arkansas currently holds a 6‑3 edge in the all‑time series, a fact that adds extra intrigue to the upcoming matchups. The rivalry was most recently highlighted when Arizona defeated the Razorbacks 109‑88 in the 2026 Sweet 16, a game that set the stage for the new agreement.
Both programs will field markedly different lineups. Arizona’s roster will feature a blend of returning veterans and high‑profile transfers, while Arkansas has secured commitments from portal standouts Cooper Bowser and Jeremiah Wilkinson, along with a freshman class headlined by five‑star recruits Jordan Smith, Abdou Toure, Miikka Muurinen and JJ Andrews.
The Razorbacks will also bring back three key contributors from last season — Billy Richmond, Isaiah Sealy and Paulo Semedo — while losing forwards Trevon Brazile and Nick Pringle to graduation and seeing Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff declare for the NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Karter Knox, D.J. Wagner and Elmir Dzafic have entered the transfer portal, with Knox committing to Louisville, Wagner to Maryland and Dzafic to Connecticut.
A New Chapter in the Arkansas‑Arizona Rivalry
The series underscores a broader push to schedule high‑profile non‑conference matchups that benefit both fan engagement and television partners. With the Naismith Hall of Fame Series, CBS Sports and WholeHogSports slated to broadcast the games, the collaboration reflects a growing trend of cross‑regional scheduling in college basketball.