The Indiana University (IU) men’s basketball team has announced the postponement of its highly anticipated charity exhibition game against the University of Tennessee Volunteers. The game, which was scheduled to take place at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, was intended to raise funds for local charities while giving fans an early look at both teams before the start of the regular season. However, due to unforeseen logistical issues, the event has been postponed, leaving fans disappointed but hopeful for a rescheduled date.
The charity exhibition was set to be a marquee event, with two storied programs—IU from the Big Ten and Tennessee from the SEC—coming together not just to compete but also to give back to their respective communities. Proceeds from ticket sales were slated to benefit several local charities in Bloomington, Indiana, and Knoxville, Tennessee, making the postponement particularly unfortunate for those who were looking forward to the event’s philanthropic impact.
Indiana head coach Mike Woodson expressed his disappointment over the delay but emphasized the commitment to finding a new date. “It’s unfortunate that we won’t be able to hold the exhibition as planned, but we are working closely with Tennessee to reschedule the game,” Woodson said in a statement. “This event is important to both programs, not only for the competition on the court but for the opportunity to make a positive impact in our communities.”
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes echoed Woodson’s sentiments, noting that while the postponement was disappointing, the safety and well-being of players, staff, and fans was a top priority. “We look forward to playing Indiana down the road and continuing our efforts to raise funds for charity,” Barnes said. “These games are about more than basketball—they’re about using our platform to help those in need.”
For fans of both programs, the postponement means a delay in seeing two powerhouse teams in action before the regular season. IU, with its strong basketball tradition and passionate fan base, has been eager to see how Woodson’s second season unfolds. Similarly, Tennessee, under the leadership of Barnes, has been building momentum in the SEC, and this exhibition would have been an exciting test for both teams.
The game was also set to provide an early look at some of the key new faces for IU, including standout recruits and transfers expected to make an impact. For Tennessee, the exhibition was an opportunity to test their roster depth and showcase their talented squad before diving into a challenging regular-season schedule.
Despite the postponement, both Indiana and Tennessee remain committed to rescheduling the exhibition and continuing their charitable efforts. While no new date has been announced, fans remain optimistic that the game will eventually take place, providing not only exciting basketball but also an opportunity to support worthy causes.
As the season approaches, both teams will be focusing on their preparations, but the eventual rescheduling of this charity exhibition will be an event that basketball fans and local communities eagerly await. Until then, both programs will continue their efforts to succeed on the court and give back off of it, embodying the spirit of college basketball at its best.