Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Set to Clash with Villanova in High-Stakes Fiserv Forum Showdown

Here’s a big scoreboard moment for Wisconsin hoops fans: the Badgers have locked in a second visit to Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum during the 2025-26 season, and they’re bringing none other than Villanova to town on December 19. Coach Greg Gard isn’t just thrilled—he’s practically buzzing about the chance to pit his squad against a powerhouse like Villanova, a matchup that promises to be a serious measuring stick before conference play heats up. This isn’t just another game; it’s a special occasion bringing top-tier college basketball right to the heart of Wisconsin. Tickets head to the public on September 24, with early access for the season ticket holders and UW donors—so mark those calendars! Oh, and let’s not forget, the Badgers will also meet Oklahoma for an exhibition at the same venue in October, setting the stage for an exciting run. The buzz is real, the atmosphere electric, and the fans? Well, they’re gonna pack the stands in red like never before. Want to dive deeper into the full scoop? LEARN MORE

Wisconsin also will play Oklahoma at Fiserv Forum on Oct. 24 for an exhibition game.“Much like our exhibition against Oklahoma, I’m excited for our fans and alumni in Milwaukee to get a game in their backyard,” Gard said in the Friday release. “The atmosphere has been awesome every time we’ve played in that area and I have no doubt Fiserv will be filled with red for these games as well.”The Milwaukee game will be the third all-time meeting between Wisconsin and Villanova. The most recent game was in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, when the Badgers upset top-seeded Villanova, 65-62.Wisconsin men’s basketball’s second trip to Fiserv Forum in 2025-26 is official.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Sept. 24, with a presale opportunity for UW donors and men’s basketball season ticket holders happening in mid-September.

“Any time you get the chance to schedule a powerhouse program like Villanova it’s a win-win,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said in a release. “We get the chance to measure ourselves in the non-conference and Badgers fans in Wisconsin get to see a big-time college basketball game.”The Badgers announced their Dec. 19 game against Villanova in Milwaukee in a press release on Friday. The tip time and television information will be announced at a later date.