What channel is Kentucky basketball vs. Manhattan on today?

Tonight, Kentucky basketball opens its 2026-27 season against Manhattan at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats started the preseason with three consecutive wins, defeating Little Rock, Texas Tech, and Central Florida. On the other side, Manhattan had no preseason exhibition games. This marks the first time these two teams face each other. Manhattan's record against SEC teams is 7-20.

Kentucky went 22-14 in the 2025-26 season, including 10-8 in conference play, and reached the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. They lost to Florida in the NCAA Tournament second round. Manhattan's season was 12-20 overall, with an 8-12 record in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Their head coach, John Gallagher, is in his fourth season, with a .387 winning percentage at Manhattan and an overall .437 record.

Manhattan has appeared in the NCAA Tournament eight times, but not since 2015. The game between Kentucky and Manhattan begins at 7 p.m. at Rupp Arena. It will be streamed live on SEC Network+, a digital platform owned by ESPN. Subscribers can access it on TV-connected devices or via WatchESPN.com, WatchESPN app, or ESPN+. Noah Frary will provide play-by-play, Jon Hood will be the analyst, and Michelle Knezovic will cover the sidelines.

Tom Leach and Jack Givens will handle the radio call on 840 AM in Louisville, 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington. Online streaming options are available at UKAthletics.com. For further information, contact Kentucky men's basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com or follow him on X at @RyanABlack.