Basketball Hall of Fame Classic 2026

The Basketball Hall of Fame Classic returns to the MassMutual Center on Sunday, December 6, 2026, bringing an exciting college basketball doubleheader to the Birthplace of Basketball.

Matchups

🏀 UMass vs. Wake Forest
🏀 Brown vs. Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)

This year’s event reunites UMass and Wake Forest for the first time since 1996, when future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan led the Demon Deacons against the Minutemen. Fans can also look forward to a regional rivalry matchup between Brown and CCSU as both programs make the trip to downtown Springfield.

Hosted in partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Explore Western Mass, and the Springfield Business Improvement District, the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic has become a favorite annual tradition for basketball fans across New England.

Event Information

Location: MassMutual Center Arena 
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Tickets On Sale: Friday, September 11, 2026

Additional game times and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame, visit Hoophall.com.

UMass vs. Wake Forest Series History

The Minutemen and Demon Deacons have split the two previous matchups. The teams last met 30 years ago, with Wake Forest winning 71-47 at home on December 14, 1996 - a game led by future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan.

Quotes from Head Coaches:

“Once again, we are extremely excited about participating in a Hall of Fame event in Springfield, Massachusetts. Competing against Wake Forest, a great member of the ACC, will be something that will empower our team to grow and give us great visibility.” - Frank Martin | UMass
“Our program is looking forward to the opportunity to play against UMass in the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield, which celebrates college basketball in the birthplace of this sport. Led by coach Frank Martin, UMass is a tradition-rich program and we look forward to the challenge of playing against them on December 6.” - Steve Forbes | Wake Forest

CCSU vs. Brown Series History

The Bears lead the Blue Devils in their all-time series, 7-3, winning seven of the last nine matchups. The teams last met three years ago, with Brown winning 59-51 on the road on November 29, 2022.

Quotes from Head Coaches:

"The Basketball Hall of Fame does a great job putting together these events. Playing at the MassMutual Center will be a positive experience for our program and will be an opportunity to play a strong early-season opponent at a neutral site." - Patrick Sellers | CCSU
“We are excited to participate in the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in December at the Mass Mutual Center. It will be a great opportunity for our program to compete in the city of Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, against a really strong, tradition-rich program in Central Connecticut.” - Mike Martin | Brown