The official bracket has been released for the 2026 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16®, and teams from across Kentucky are set to compete for the state championship at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington. The tournament runs March 18–21, with first-round action tipping off on Wednesday, March 18.
The opening day features four matchups beginning at 11:00 a.m., when Covington Catholic (31–2) faces St. Xavier (26–7). At 1:30 p.m., Warren Central (26–3) takes on North Laurel (28–7). The evening slate continues with Taylor County (26–9) vs. Grayson County (25–6) at 6:00 p.m., followed by Danville Christian (23–7) vs. Great Crossing (23–11) at 8:30 p.m.
First-round games continue on Thursday, March 19, with Butler vs. Hazard at 11:00 a.m., Boyd County vs. Marshall County at 1:30 p.m., North Oldham vs. Lyon County at 6:00 p.m., and George Rogers Clark vs. Johnson Central at 8:30 p.m.
The tournament moves to the quarterfinals on Friday, March 20, with games scheduled for 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. The semifinals will be played Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., followed by the state championship game at 7:30 p.m. that evening.