The University of Tennessee and Michigan State University announced a new agreement that will see their men’s basketball programs meet twice over the next two seasons in a home‑and‑home format. The arrangement marks a rare non‑conference commitment between two storied programs and promises competitive matchups for fans across the country.
A Cross‑State Basketball Agreement
The series will open on December 17, 2022, when the Spartans host the Vols in East Lansing, Michigan. The game will be played at the iconic Breslin Center, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and deep‑rooted college basketball tradition.
A year later, the roles will reverse as the Vols welcome the Spartans to Knoxville, Tennessee, on December 16, 2023. The matchup at the Thompson‑Boling Arena will close the two‑year series, giving both schools a chance to test their squads on opposite ends of the country.
Both athletic departments highlighted the strategic value of the agreement, noting that the non‑conference games will provide valuable preparation for conference play while also delivering high‑profile contests for alumni and supporters. The series underscores a growing trend of cross‑regional scheduling aimed at enhancing national visibility and fan engagement.