IRVING, Texas – The Big 12 Conference today announced that Arizona State and Kansas will square off in the first-ever Union Jack Classic at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
 
“I’m thrilled that Big 12 football will be heading to London for the first-ever college football game at Wembley Stadium,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “I’ve often said my goal is for the Big 12 to be the most globally relevant conference in college athletics. Expanding our international presence will elevate our brand, create new opportunities for student-athletes, and open the door to meaningful commercial growth for the league.”
 
The Union Jack Classic will be the third Big 12 football game in two seasons played in Europe, which began with Iowa State’s and K-State’s 2025 season opener in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland. TCU will face North Carolina in the same event to open the 2026 season.
 
 “This is the perfect moment in time for Kansas Football to blaze an uncharted trail to historic Wembley Stadium in London,” Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “This opportunity is reflective of the growth and trajectory of our football program and the entire University, and will provide our fans and student-athletes an unprecedented experience. We’re excited that our season ticket holders and students will still have six opportunities to watch a game at The Booth next season as that project is being completed, while also having the chance to see the Jayhawks play international for the first time ever. Our commitment is to provide a first-class, generational experience for our program and supporters, while showcasing Jayhawk Football and the University of Kansas on a global stage.”
 
“The Big 12 is leading the charge to take college football global, and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Arizona State Athletics Director Graham Rossini. “College sports are about providing our student-athletes with life-changing experiences, and playing in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium will be an incredible one. With nearly 18,000 international students from 160 countries, ASU already thrives on a global stage, and we can’t wait to showcase Sun Devil Football and Arizona State University to fans across Europe.”
 
“We are proud to make history by bringing American College Football to London on a global stage”, said Brian Dubiski, Chairman/CEO of Union Jack Classic. “Hosting two elite Big 12 programs at Wembley Stadium positions this matchup as the premier international showcase for our sport, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and partners worldwide.”
 
Wembley Stadium, one of the world’s most iconic sports venues, has been home to NFL’s International Series since 2007. London will host three NFL games this season, beginning with Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 
 
The Union Jack Classic will take place during Week Three of the 2026 season. Kansas will be the designated home team for the Conference match-up between the two schools. Tickets will go on presale beginning on Monday, Oct. 6 with general sales on Thursday, Oct. 9 and available through KUAthletics.com, SunDevils.com, and UnionJackClassic.com.
 
About the Union Jack Classic
Union Jack Classic was founded by a collective of internationally recognized sports marketing and sponsorship agencies, bringing together decades of expertise in launching and growing American sports abroad. The initiative is led by Brian Dubiski and Thomas Hensey of Rhino Marketing, alongside Rob Yowell of Gemini Sports—who all have extensive experience promoting major U.S. sports across the U.K. and Europe.
 
With a track record of over three decades, the Agency principals were instrumental in the launch of the World League of American Football in London, Frankfurt, and Barcelona, as well as sponsorship and media relations for the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Collectively, they have brokered global naming rights partnerships, including landmark venues such as Emirates Stadium and The O2.