Ohio State-TCU, Michigan-Vanderbilt Featured In 2026 Coretta Scott King Classic

Women’s College Basketball: Ohio State-TCU, Michigan-Vanderbilt Featured in 2026 Coretta Scott King Classic

Two of the top women’s college basketball teams from the Big Ten will face off against leading programs from the Big 12 and SEC in the second edition of the Coretta Scott King Classic. The event will feature a doubleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19, 2026), with TCU taking on Ohio State at noon ET, followed by Michigan facing Vanderbilt at 2:30 p.m. ET. This exciting matchup will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The Coretta Scott King Classic aims to celebrate the legacy and values of Coretta Scott King, the late wife of Martin Luther King Jr esl one 2023., by emphasizing leadership, equality, education, and empowerment through sports. In addition to the games, the event will incorporate community activations and youth engagement programs designed to reflect “the enduring legacy of Mrs. King,” as stated in a recent announcement.

“The Coretta Scott King Classic is a testament to the enduring power of my mother’s legacy,” remarked Dr. Bernice A. King, Coretta Scott’s daughter and CEO of the King Center. “She believed deeply in the transformative nature of education and public engagement, and this event continues to bring that vision to life for a new generation of athletes, fans, and leaders.”

The inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic was held in 2025, featuring UCLA vs. Baylor and Texas vs. Maryland at the Prudential Center. For the second consecutive year, the event will be broadcasted on FOX.

“We are thrilled to showcase the Coretta Scott King Classic for the second year on the FOX broadcast network,” said FOX Sports Executive Vice President Jordan Bazant. “This exceptional event brings student-athletes and communities together to honor the tremendous legacy of Coretta Scott King and is a prime example of FOX Sports’ commitment to amplifying women’s sports.”

Team Overview

Both TCU and Ohio State are looking to build off their appearances in the NCAA Tournament last season. TCU made it to the Elite Eight, aided by standout players Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Prince, both of whom have since graduated. However, the Horned Frogs have bolstered their roster with guard Olivia Miles, who transferred to TCU after being named a second-team All-American at Notre Dame m4 skins. Ohio State will return Jaloni Cambridge, who was the co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

“Our program is committed to fostering leadership, resilience, and excellence in our student-athletes, values that resonate deeply with the vision of Coretta Scott King,” said Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff regarding his team’s participation. “We are honored to represent Buckeye Nation and contribute to the celebration of Mrs. King’s legacy.”

TCU head coach Mark Campbell expressed, “We are honored to be included in this event. Coretta Scott King and her family have made a significant impact on the world through their commitment to civil rights and social justice. Competing against such an elite program as Ohio State on national television is an incredible opportunity for us.”

Turning to Michigan and Vanderbilt, the Wolverines are led by their own co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Olivia Olson, alongside All-Big Ten guard Syla Swords. Vanderbilt has the reigning Freshman of the Year from the SEC, guard Mikayla Blakes, who finished second in the conference for scoring last year, averaging 23.3 points per game. Both teams were tournament qualifiers last season.

“We are excited to represent the University of Michigan in the 2026 Coretta Scott King Classic,” said Michigan head coach Kim Barnes Arico. “This is a fantastic opportunity to honor a woman who dedicated her life to empowering others while showcasing our strength and commitment to making change ppgmaing. bb8 casino”

Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph added, “Participating in the Coretta Scott King Classic against Michigan is an honor. Our student-athletes are direct beneficiaries of Mrs. King’s advocacy, and this event gives us a chance to celebrate her legacy while continuing the fight for gender equity in sports.”

Playfly Sports and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment will also partner for this year’s Coretta Scott King Classic. “We are eager to shine a spotlight on exceptional women’s basketball programs and uphold the values that extend beyond the sport,” said Co-Head of Playfly Sports Consulting Michael Neuman. “Following the positive feedback from last year’s event, we aim to enhance the impact of this year’s celebration of Coretta Scott King.”

“The Coretta Scott King Classic transcends mere basketball competition; it is a celebration of remarkable student-athletes and the principles Mrs. King stood for: leadership, equality, and community,” noted HBSE Vice President of Sports Properties and Special Events Dylan Wanagiel bingo plus legit. “We are proud to collaborate with Playfly Sports and FOX Sports again to host this inspiring event at the Prudential Center.”

Are you looking forward to seeing your favorite teams in this historic event?