The University of Wisconsin‑Madison men’s basketball program has announced that its 2026‑27 season will open on November 2 at the Kohl Center, where the Badgers will host the University of Denver.
College hoops analyst Rocco Miller confirmed the opponent and the start date, noting that the Badgers have begun each of the past four seasons on a Monday, a streak that dates back to the 2021‑22 campaign.
Setting the Stage
Tim Bergstraser, who oversees scheduling logistics for the athletics department, will announce the official tipoff time in the coming days, adding a layer of anticipation for fans eager to see the new roster in action.
The Badgers’ most recent opener came a year earlier, when they defeated Campbell University 96‑64 on November 3, 2025, continuing a pattern of strong home‑court performances to start the season.
Denver enters the matchup after a 15‑17 record in the previous season, finishing fourth in the Summit League and dropping a notable 103‑73 loss to No. 2 Arizona early in that campaign.
Coach Greg Gard, now in his tenth year at the helm, is expected to lean on a blend of experienced veterans and fresh talent as the team looks to build on the momentum from last season’s victory.
The upcoming game will also mark the first meeting between Wisconsin and Denver since the 2023‑24 season, a series that has grown in significance as both programs seek to strengthen their non‑conference résumés before conference play.