Kentucky, Gonzaga discontinue basketball series amid report of new blue-blood-laden 'Diamond Cup'

A non-conference series between two of college basketball’s best programs is no more.

Kentucky and Gonzaga announced in a joint statement Wednesday they are discontinuing their annual series with two games remaining on their contract.

Shortly after the programs’ announcement, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reported a new preseason showcase dubbed the “Diamond Cup” is in discussions and that it would feature Gonzaga and Kentucky alongside six other high-profile programs.

Per the report, North Carolina, Kansas, UConn, Indiana, Michigan and Arizona would also participate.

According to the report, the showcase has not been agreed upon and a format has not been set, but the eight schools are “involved in deep discussions.” If formalized, the showcase could start as early as 2027-28. This could help explain Kentucky’s and Gonzaga’s decision to cancel the remaining home-and-home set of their series.

Kentucky was scheduled to host Gonzaga in 2026-27, and Gonzaga was scheduled to host the matchup in 2027-28. Those games will not take place.

The Wildcats and Bulldogs have played each other in each of the past four seasons with Gonzaga going 3-1. Gonzaga beat Kentucky 94-59 in December in Nashville.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

Per a statement provided to media, the programs mutually agreed to the early termination of the agreement “to allow each program freedom to re-evaluate future scheduling priorities, including conference obligations and nonconference opportunities.”

Kentucky plays an 18-game schedule in the SEC. Gonzaga, meanwhile, is leaving its longtime WCC conference home for the newly formed nine-team Pac-12 starting next season. Assuming a home-and-home series of conference games, that adds up to 16 conference games for Gonzaga next season.

The Gonzaga-Kentucky series was originally agreed upon by Gonzaga head coach Mark Few and then-Kentucky head coach John Calipari. Calipari and Kentucky have since split, and Calipari is now the head coach at Arkansas. Mark Pope is slated for his third season as Kentucky’s head coach in 2026-27.