It happens every December. You're scrolling through sports apps, seeing "V Week" everywhere, and suddenly you realize you missed the tip-off at the Garden. Honestly, the Jimmy V Classic schedule is one of those things that feels like it should be easy to track, but between the men's doubleheader in New York and the rotating women's campus sites, it’s kinda easy to lose the thread.
Don't give up. Don't ever give up.
Jim Valvano’s words are the heartbeat of this thing. But if you're just looking for when to turn on the TV so you don't miss a buzzer-beater, you need the actual logistics. We just wrapped up the December 2025 slate, and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype. If you’re looking ahead to 2026 or just trying to make sense of how this tournament actually works, here’s the breakdown of what really happens when the lights go up at Madison Square Garden.
The Real 2025 Jimmy V Classic Schedule and Beyond
Most people think the Jimmy V Classic is a standard tournament. It's not. It's a series of showcase games. In 2025, the men’s side stayed true to its "World’s Most Famous Arena" roots.
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, we saw a massive doubleheader at Madison Square Garden. The early game featured Clemson vs. BYU. Now, BYU came in ranked No. 10, and they absolutely showed why. Robert Wright III hit a deep three at the buzzer to seal a 67-64 win. It was the kind of moment that makes college hoops in December feel like March.
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The nightcap was even heavier. No. 5 UConn vs. No. 18 Florida. UConn pulled it out 77-73, with Solo Ball dropping 19 points. This was a rematch of the previous year’s NCAA second round, and the intensity was palpable.
What about the Women’s Schedule?
The women's side does things differently. Instead of a neutral site, they usually play at campus sites to maximize those home-court atmospheres. On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, we saw an absolute barnburner in Ames: No. 11 Iowa vs. No. 10 Iowa State. It’s the Cy-Hawk rivalry baked right into the Jimmy V Classic schedule.
Why the Timing Always Shifts
You’ve probably noticed the dates wiggle around a bit. Basically, the event is the crown jewel of ESPN’s "V Week." This initiative usually kicks off on Giving Tuesday (which was December 2 in 2025) and runs for about 12 days.
The men’s games almost always land on that first or second Tuesday of December. For the 2026 Jimmy V Classic schedule, you can pretty much bank on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, being the big night at MSG. Mark that down. While the matchups aren't usually announced until the late summer (August is the sweet spot for news), the Tuesday slot is as close to a sure thing as you get in college scheduling.
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The "Garden" Factor
There is something special about New York in December. The Jimmy V Classic has called Madison Square Garden home since 2003 (with a few exceptions). It isn't just about the basketball; it’s about the fundraising. Since 1993, the V Foundation has awarded over $458 million in cancer research grants.
Every time there’s a timeout and they play a clip of Jim Valvano’s 1993 ESPYs speech, the arena goes quiet. It doesn't matter if you're a Duke fan, a UConn fan, or just a casual viewer—it hits hard.
How to Actually Watch (and Not Miss It)
If you're trying to catch the games, here is the reality of the broadcast situation. ESPN owns this event. It’s not going to be on some obscure streaming service you’ve never heard of.
- Men’s Doubleheader: Always on ESPN. Usually 6:30 PM ET and 9:00 PM ET.
- Women’s Games: Typically on ESPN or ESPN2.
- Radio: If you're stuck in traffic, ESPN Radio carries the national broadcast. In 2025, Bob Valvano (Jim’s brother) was back in the booth, which adds a layer of perspective you just can't get anywhere else.
Common Misconceptions About the Schedule
I see this a lot on Twitter: people asking where the "bracket" is.
There is no bracket.
You won't see these teams play each other in a championship game two days later. It's a one-night-only affair for the men. This is actually better for the schools because it doesn't mess with their final exams schedule too much, but it can be confusing if you’re used to the Maui Invitational or the Battle 4 Atlantis style of play.
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Also, don't confuse this with the "Jimmy V Showcase" or local high school events that use the name. Those are great for the cause, but the "Classic" refers specifically to these elite Division I matchups curated by ESPN Events.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We don't have the official 2026 pairings yet. However, looking at the cycle of teams, expect heavy hitters. We’ve seen Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and Villanova rotate through here frequently. Given the new look of the Big Ten and Big 12, don't be surprised if we see some "new" conference matchups that feel like old-school non-conference brawls.
If you’re planning a trip to NYC to see it live, book your hotel for that second week of December. The atmosphere at the Garden for this is unlike a regular-season game. It's more like a celebration.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to stay on top of the Jimmy V Classic schedule without having to search for it every day, do these three things:
- Set a Calendar Alert: Put a placeholder for "Jimmy V Classic" on December 8, 2026. That will be the Tuesday of V Week.
- Follow the V Foundation: They usually leak the "Save the Date" info on social media long before the official ESPN press release hits.
- Check the Big East/ACC Schedules: Since many of these teams come from these two conferences, their conference schedule releases in September will often "confirm" the Jimmy V dates by showing the gap in their home-and-home rotations.
The games are great, but the mission is bigger. Whether it’s BYU winning on a buzzer-beater or UConn defending its turf, the schedule is just the framework for something that actually matters.
Keep an eye out in late August 2026. That is when the contracts are usually signed and the next two-game slate is revealed to the world. Until then, you can go back and watch Valvano’s speech on YouTube—it’s ten minutes that will change how you look at the game.