Arizona and UCLA Set to Ignite Basketball Rivalry with 3 Exciting Matchups in 4 Years

Arizona and UCLA are set to reignite their storied basketball rivalry, confirming three matchups over the next four years. The first game will occur on December 14 in downtown Phoenix, marking the beginning of a renewed competitive spirit between the two teams.

Future meetings have also been scheduled, with a game slated for 2025 during the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas, followed by another in Los Angeles in 2027. The history between the teams, characterized by significant conference rivalry in the Pac-12, has shifted due to recent conference changes—Arizona is now part of the Big 12, while UCLA has joined the Big Ten.

Historically, Arizona and UCLA have faced each other 113 times, with the Bruins leading the series 63-50. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd expressed the importance of the rivalry: “For decades, Arizona-UCLA games have meant so much to our players, coaches, and fans across the country. Icons in the game of basketball have made this rivalry into one of the best in college basketball, and we look forward to adding the next chapters in the years to come.”

UCLA coach Mick Cronin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the mutual benefit of these matchups. “It’s a win-win situation for both UCLA and Arizona,” he stated. “These are two schools with strong basketball traditions and passionate fan bases, and it’s important for us to find ways to continue playing each other.”

The upcoming games promise to bolster fan engagement and rekindle the fierce competition that has defined the Arizona-UCLA rivalry. Beyond basketball, the Valley of the Sun is home to various major sports teams and events, underscoring its status as a vibrant sports hub.

Phoenix hosts five major professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and NBA’s Phoenix Suns. There’s also an array of significant sporting events annually, including the Fiesta Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open. All of this contributes to the city’s dynamic sporting landscape, ensuring that fans have ample opportunities to support their favorite teams.