The Wisconsin Badgers open their 2026 volleyball season Friday night with one of the toughest tests they could have asked for, taking on No. 3 Kentucky at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The Badgers enter the season ranked No. 6 in the country, setting up a matchup between two of the nation’s premier programs right out of the gate.
There’s also some unfinished business between these teams, as Kentucky ended Wisconsin‘s 2025 season with a five-set victory in the NCAA Tournament semifinals.
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Now, the Badgers get an early opportunity to turn the page and make a statement in their first match of the new season.
Follow along here for live updates, scores, highlights, and analysis throughout Friday night’s match.
Where to watch Wisconsin volleyball vs. No. 3 Kentucky
Date: Friday, August 21
TV Channel: ESPN
Start Time: 9:00 p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. CT
The Badgers and Wildcats will meet in a late-night showdown on ESPN.
For those tuning in on the radio, the game will also be available on the ESPN Madison.
Where to watch Wisconsin-Kentucky volleyball on livestream
In addition to airing nationwide on ESPN, viewers can also tune into Wisconsin vs. Kentucky on ESPN+.
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Watch Wisconsin vs Kentucky on ESPN
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: No. 6 Wisconsin volleyball vs. No. 3 Kentucky: Live updates, score
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