Chase Center to host return of Cal-UCLA basketball rivalry in 2025 Empire Classic
The 2025 Empire Classic includes Cal, UCLA, Sacramento State and Presbyterian, with six games being held over the course of nine days, culminating in a finale featuring Cal and UCLA at the Golden State Warriors' and Valkyries' home arena. Having lost 12 of their past 13 matchups, the Bears trail 147-104 in a series that dates to 1921, according to Cal's records.
The Bears — who haven't finished at or above .500 since 2016-17 — lost a few four-star transfers, per 247Sports, this past offseason, including leading scorer Andrej Stojaković. But head coach Mark Madsen also rebuilt his roster via five incoming four-star transfers: guards Nolan Dorsey (Campbell), Dai Dai Ames (Virginia) and Justin Pippen (Michigan), the son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, as well as forwards Chris Bell (Syracuse) and John Camden (Delaware). Madsen has also brought former blue-chip high school recruit Sammie Yeanay (Grand Canyon) into the fold as he aims to deliver a winning record in his third season at the helm.
UCLA has made the NCAA Tournament four of its past five seasons under head coach Mick Cronin.
'We're thrilled to renew the Cal-UCLA rivalry on such a big stage as part of the Empire Classic,' Madsen said in a news release. 'Anytime you have these two schools and programs meet, it brings great energy — and to do it in Chase Center, right here in the Bay Area, makes it even more special.'
Cal will also play host to Sacramento State, the buzzworthy mid-major program led by retired NBA guard Mike Bibby, on Nov. 21 at Haas Pavilion. The Hornets have garnered national attention for their recent push to be more competitive in athletics, especially in basketball. NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal, whose son, Shaqir, transferred to Sacramento State from Florida A&M in April, agreed to become the school's basketball general manager weeks later.
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