Kansas fans won't have to wait until November to get a first look at the Jayhawks, as KU has three home exhibition games on tap ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Bill Self wasn't shy about challenging his team, either, with games against Louisville and Duke looming on the heels of the preseason opener against Pittsburg State.
Early curiosity about this Jayhawks team won't be limited to hardcore fans, either. For the second straight year, Self lured the top-ranked high school recruit to Lawrence, and fans will be on the lookout to see how Tyran Stokes makes the adjustment after a season of drama around Darryn Peterson.
Stokes already has a reputation as being something of a lightning rod, so he'll be in the spotlight from Day 1. Fellow freshman Taylen Kinney also figures to play a significant role along with two more key newcomers in transfers Keanu Dawes (Utah) and Leroy Blyden Jr. (Toledo).
That's a lot of roster turnover, which is par for the course these days, so KU fans will want to get a long look at what's in store. Here's all you need to know to watch all three games.
Where to watch Kansas basketball exhibition games
- TV channel: ESPN, ESPNU
- Live streams: Fubo, ESPN app
Fans who can't get to The Phog can still watch all three of the Jayhawks' preseason games this year, as each will be broadcast on an ESPN platform. See the full schedule below.
The two most appealing contests, against Louisville and Duke, can also be streamed live with Fubo.
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Kansas basketball preseason exhibition schedule 2026-27
The Jayhawks are set to play three exhibition games ahead of their season opener:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch/Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Oct. 16 | vs. Pittsburg State | 8 p.m. | Kansas 80, Pittsburg State 62 |
| Wed., Oct. 21 | vs. Louisville | 7 p.m. | Louisville 89, Kansas 83 |
| Sun., Oct. 25 | vs. Duke | 1 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, ESPN app |
When is the Kansas basketball season opener?
- Date: Monday, Nov. 2
- Time: TBA
KU opens the 2026-27 regular season against Fordham on Monday, Nov. 2. The game will be played at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.
Kansas basketball schedule 2026-27
Here are the Jayhawks' first five regular-season games:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 2 | vs. Fordham | TBD |
| Nov. 6 | vs. Middle Tennessee | TBD |
| Nov. 10 | Kentucky* | 9:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 17 | UNLV^ | 9:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 18 | Auburn or West Virginia^ | TBD |
* Champions Classic at United Center, Chicago
^ Players Era at Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas
