Duke reshapes non‑conference slate after Michigan game axed
Duke’s 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule will no longer include a planned matchup against Michigan at loanDepot Park in Tampa. The cancellation, tied to a broader Big Ten media‑rights disagreement, forced the Blue Devils to seek a replacement.
The new opponent will be Texas Tech, and the game is set for Dec. 21 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The contest will be carried live on Prime Video as part of Duke’s multi‑year streaming agreement with Amazon.
The two teams previously met last season, when the Red Raiders edged Duke 82‑81 in a tightly contested game. That result adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming meeting, which could have implications for both programs’ early‑season rankings.
The shift in venue appears to have been influenced by a personal connection between former Michigan head coach Dusty May and Miami Marlins owner Bruce Sherman, who helped steer the game away from Florida. May’s relationship with Sherman was cited as a factor in the decision to relocate the contest to New York.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed the schedule change, noting that the new arrangement preserves the team’s non‑conference ambitions while aligning with broadcast partners. The move also underscores the growing role of media rights negotiations in shaping college basketball calendars.