Pirates to Participate in Coretta Scott King Classic
10/1/2026 12:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Newark, NJ (October 1, 2026) — For the third straight year, the Coretta Scott King Classic returns to Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 18, 2027. The nationally televised event on FOX will highlight women's college basketball while honoring the legacy and values of Coretta Scott King and the entire King family.
Fox Sports, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Playfly Sports bring back the CSKC for the third straight year featuring defending National Champions UCLA, 2025 National Champions UConn, top ranked Oklahoma, and local favorite Seton Hall at Newark's Prudential Center . Official game matchups can be found below:
Game 1 at 12PM ET: UCLA vs. Oklahoma
Game 2 at 2:30PM ET: UConn vs. SETON HALL
Tickets for the games will go on sale to the public on Friday, Oct. 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Â
"We are both honored to play in an event that pays homage to the King family and excited to face the Huskies at a marquee venue our fans know well," said Seton Hall Head Coach Anthony Bozzella. "Being selected to play with three other powerhouse programs shows Seton Hall's ascension on the national scene."
The Coretta Scott King Classic is more than a sports event; the event stands as a growing movement dedicated to celebrating leadership, equality, education, and empowerment through sport. Reflecting the enduring legacy of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, this year's classic will feature a dynamic lineup of community activations and specialized youth engagement programming alongside the games. Attendees can look forward to a full day of inspiration, impactful storytelling, and athletic excellence designed to uplift the local community and empower the next generation.
"The Coretta Scott King Classic continues to bring my family's enduring legacy into spaces where young people can see, experience, and embody the values my mother held so deeply," said Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Coretta Scott King and CEO of The King Center. "Through the power of women's basketball, this event creates an opportunity to celebrate excellence while encouraging the next generation to lead with courage, purpose, and a commitment to community."
"In just three years, the Coretta Scott King Classic has become a defining event where elite competition, community, and celebration converge. Bringing the defending champions, UCLA, Oklahoma, 2025 Champions, UConn, and Seton Hall together at Prudential Center reflects both the caliber of women's college basketball today and our shared commitment with FOX, HBSE, and the King Estate to honor Mrs. King's enduring legacy of unity and equality. This year's expanded scope establishes the Classic as a lasting fixture within the sport." Julie Simmons, Co-Founder of Paragon Sports Marketing
"FOX Sports is proud to bring the Coretta Scott King Classic back to the FOX broadcast network and showcase two marquee matchups on one of the most meaningful days on the sports calendar," said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports. "This event has quickly become a special part of our women's college basketball schedule, and we're proud to give these outstanding programs a national broadcast stage while celebrating Coretta Scott King's enduring legacy."
"The Coretta Scott King Classic returning to Prudential Center for a third season is an honor because it represents not only excellence in competition, but off the court as well. It serves as a celebration of the values Mrs. King and her family stand for: leadership, equality, and community,"Â said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, HBSE/Prudential Center. "HBSE is excited to collaborate with Playfly Sports once again to host this incredible event on Martin Luther King Day showcasing some of the best women's basketball programs in the country, including the two most recent National Champions. As women's basketball continues to grow in popularity, HBSE remains committed to embracing the women's game with the Coretta Scott King Classic being at the center of our celebration right here in Newark."Â
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Fox Sports, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Playfly Sports bring back the CSKC for the third straight year featuring defending National Champions UCLA, 2025 National Champions UConn, top ranked Oklahoma, and local favorite Seton Hall at Newark's Prudential Center . Official game matchups can be found below:
Game 1 at 12PM ET: UCLA vs. Oklahoma
Game 2 at 2:30PM ET: UConn vs. SETON HALL
Tickets for the games will go on sale to the public on Friday, Oct. 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Â
"We are both honored to play in an event that pays homage to the King family and excited to face the Huskies at a marquee venue our fans know well," said Seton Hall Head Coach Anthony Bozzella. "Being selected to play with three other powerhouse programs shows Seton Hall's ascension on the national scene."
The Coretta Scott King Classic is more than a sports event; the event stands as a growing movement dedicated to celebrating leadership, equality, education, and empowerment through sport. Reflecting the enduring legacy of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, this year's classic will feature a dynamic lineup of community activations and specialized youth engagement programming alongside the games. Attendees can look forward to a full day of inspiration, impactful storytelling, and athletic excellence designed to uplift the local community and empower the next generation.
"The Coretta Scott King Classic continues to bring my family's enduring legacy into spaces where young people can see, experience, and embody the values my mother held so deeply," said Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Coretta Scott King and CEO of The King Center. "Through the power of women's basketball, this event creates an opportunity to celebrate excellence while encouraging the next generation to lead with courage, purpose, and a commitment to community."
"In just three years, the Coretta Scott King Classic has become a defining event where elite competition, community, and celebration converge. Bringing the defending champions, UCLA, Oklahoma, 2025 Champions, UConn, and Seton Hall together at Prudential Center reflects both the caliber of women's college basketball today and our shared commitment with FOX, HBSE, and the King Estate to honor Mrs. King's enduring legacy of unity and equality. This year's expanded scope establishes the Classic as a lasting fixture within the sport." Julie Simmons, Co-Founder of Paragon Sports Marketing
"FOX Sports is proud to bring the Coretta Scott King Classic back to the FOX broadcast network and showcase two marquee matchups on one of the most meaningful days on the sports calendar," said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports. "This event has quickly become a special part of our women's college basketball schedule, and we're proud to give these outstanding programs a national broadcast stage while celebrating Coretta Scott King's enduring legacy."
"The Coretta Scott King Classic returning to Prudential Center for a third season is an honor because it represents not only excellence in competition, but off the court as well. It serves as a celebration of the values Mrs. King and her family stand for: leadership, equality, and community,"Â said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, HBSE/Prudential Center. "HBSE is excited to collaborate with Playfly Sports once again to host this incredible event on Martin Luther King Day showcasing some of the best women's basketball programs in the country, including the two most recent National Champions. As women's basketball continues to grow in popularity, HBSE remains committed to embracing the women's game with the Coretta Scott King Classic being at the center of our celebration right here in Newark."Â
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