Duke-Michigan Nonconference Game Canceled; Texas Tech Steps In

Sources reported that the nonconference game between Duke and Michigan, slated for December, has been called off. The contest was announced in late April as part of Duke’s partnership with Amazon Prime Video, which promises three neutral-site games each season streamed exclusively on Prime Video. A misinterpretation of broadcast rights and disputes with the Big Ten’s television partners prevented an agreement, leading both programs to abandon the matchup.

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The game was initially set for Madison Square Garden. Because the Big Ten’s TV partners believed Amazon lacked the necessary rights, the schools explored moving the event to LoanDepot Park in Miami. A source told CBS Sports on June 3 that the game would proceed at the stadium “barring something drastic happening,” but the departure of Michigan head coach Dusty May for the Dallas Mavericks later that month derailed the plan. Both programs concluded that the lingering rights issues made the game untenable.

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• Late April 2025 – Duke-Michigan game announced as part of Duke’s Amazon partnership.

ESPN

• June 3, 2025 – CBS Sports source says the game will be played in Miami unless a major change occurs.

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• Mid-June 2025 – Dusty May leaves Michigan for the NBA.

247Sports

• Early December 2025 – Duke and Michigan announce cancellation; Duke schedules Texas Tech as a replacement opponent for the same December slot at Madison Square Garden.

ESPN

Duke will face Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden on the same December date. The two teams met at the venue the prior season, with Texas Tech handing Duke its only loss in the first 22 games, an 82-81 result. Texas Tech, coached by Grant McCasland, has appeared in three consecutive NCAA tournaments and has not finished lower than third in the Big 12. The Red Raiders also announced that All-America forward JT Toppin, who suffered a torn ACL in February, is expected to return next season.

ESPN

• Duke – Remains a preseason top-five contender, ranked No. 2 in early ESPN rankings. The Texas Tech game fulfills the second slot of Duke’s three-game Amazon deal, joining neutral-site contests against UConn in Las Vegas (Nov. 25) and Gonzaga in Detroit (Feb. 20). Duke’s broader slate includes the Champions Classic, the Jimmy V Classic and a home game versus Illinois.

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• Michigan – Holds a No. 5 early ranking and retains a demanding non-conference schedule. The Wolverines will compete in the Players Era festival in Las Vegas, face Creighton, Miami or TCU, and play UConn on Nov. 6 in Boston, followed by home games versus Marquette and away contests at Villanova. A replacement opponent for the canceled December game has not yet been secured.

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Duke’s athletic department confirmed that the Texas Tech game will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, maintaining the Amazon partnership terms. Michigan’s coaching staff, represented by former head coach Dusty May, indicated that logistical challenges remained and expressed confidence that the two programs would eventually find a venue for a future neutral-site contest. Both schools emphasized their commitment to delivering high-profile neutral-site games for fans despite the setback.

ESPN

Michigan is exploring alternative opponents for the open December slot. Duke’s schedule proceeds as planned, with the Texas Tech game anchoring a three-day series of marquee matchups at Madison Square Garden leading up to the holiday season. Both programs will continue to leverage their Amazon partnership to showcase additional neutral-site games throughout the 2026-27 season.

ESPN