KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri State men's basketball was announced Thursday (April 23) as part of the 26th annual NABC Hall of Fame Classic, a one-day event that will be played on Friday, Dec. 18 at the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City.

The neutral-site doubleheader will feature Missouri State taking on Iowa State and Drake battling Wichita State. Specific game times, ticket details and broadcast assignments will be announced at a later date.

"We're honored and excited to be part of an event with the tradition and history of the NABC Hall of Fame Classic," said Bears head coach Cuonzo Martin. "Playing a great program like Iowa State in a first-class venue is special. Kansas City is a wonderful basketball city, and it's a tremendous opportunity to represent Missouri State on a big stage."

Under Martin, Missouri State made a seven-win improvement in 2025-26 from the prior season, making a run to the Conference USA Tournament semifinals after upsetting top-seeded Liberty in the event's quarterfinals.

Iowa State finished the 2025-26 season ranked No. 8 in the nation after going 29-8 and reaching the NCAA Sweet 16. 

Missouri State most recently participated in the Hall of Fame Classic in 2018. Iowa State's only appearance in the event came in 2014.

The Hall of Fame Classic is operated by the Kansas City-based National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). More information on the event can be found on the NABC website.