Michigan State Plans Marquee Basketball Game at Little Caesars Arena for Thanksgiving 2026

Michigan State men’s basketball is planning a major game in Detroit next Thanksgiving. The Spartans will play a marquee opponent at Little Caesars Arena. This news comes from a report by the Detroit News. The game would follow the Detroit Lions’ traditional holiday matchup.

The plan aims to capture a large television audience. It builds on the success of this season’s holiday slate. The idea is to create a Thanksgiving sports doubleheader for Michigan fans.

Building on a Proven Television Formula

The logic behind the plan is rooted in recent ratings. Michigan State’s win over North Carolina this past Thanksgiving drew huge numbers. That game averaged 6.5 million viewers on CBS.

It aired right after the Lions’ annual game. That scheduling proved massively successful. The contest became the second-most-watched regular-season college basketball game in three decades.

The proposed 2026 game would follow the same model. It would start around 4:30 p.m. ET. This gives fans time to travel from Ford Field to Little Caesars Arena.

A Familiar Venue for Spartan Basketball

Little Caesars Arena is not new for Michigan State. The team plays an annual game there against Oakland University. That contest will happen again this coming Saturday.

The last major non-conference game MSU played there was against Baylor. That was during the 2023-24 season. The unranked Spartans scored a stunning 88-64 victory over the sixth-ranked Bears.

An official announcement for the 2026 game could come soon. The upcoming visit to Detroit provides a natural opportunity.

Thought you’d like to know

Who might Michigan State play in this game?

Specific opponents are not yet confirmed. Potential marquee teams like Duke, Arkansas, and UConn are likely already booked. Names like Arizona or Houston have been suggested as logical, high-profile possibilities.

When exactly would the game be played?

The target is Thanksgiving Day 2026. The game would tip off around 4:30 p.m. ET. This slots it immediately after the Detroit Lions’ annual 1 p.m. holiday game.

Why is Little Caesars Arena the chosen venue?

The arena offers a major metropolitan stage and a proven fan base. Its location in Detroit creates a perfect doubleheader with the Lions. This maximizes exposure and attendance for the event.

How did the previous Thanksgiving game perform?

MSU’s game versus North Carolina this past November was a major success. It averaged 6.5 million viewers. That makes it one of the most-watched regular-season games in decades.

Is this part of an existing series?

No, this is planned as a standalone marquee event. It is separate from Michigan State’s annual series against Oakland University, which is also played at Little Caesars Arena.