Every year, the Kentucky-Louisville basketball rivalry takes center stage in the world of college basketball in December. The game is known for the heated nature it brings out in the state. However, another lesser-known but equally passionate rivalry unfolds off the main court—the Manager Game. This tradition sees the support staff and managers of both teams face off in their own competitive showdown, adding a unique layer to the rivalry. This year, though, the Manager Game is embroiled in controversy and may not even happen.
The drama began when Kentucky’s managers recently played against Lipscomb’s managers. According to alleged text messages shared between Louisville and Lipscomb managers, the Wildcats reportedly fielded a team with 10+ players, a detail that raised eyebrows. Louisville’s managers claim this information was revealed in messages from the Lipscomb camp, fueling their suspicions that Kentucky might be trying to dodge Friday’s scheduled matchup by saying they didn't have enough guys.
Incredibly disappointed to learn that the school up the road “doesn’t have enough managers to play” for what was supposed to be tonight’s Manager Game. Here at Louisville, we were incredibly excited to play the rivalry game to kick off this new era.#GoCards x @ManagerGames_ pic.twitter.com/oWFsdiFHpp
— Louisville MBB Managers (@UofLMBBManagers) December 13, 2024
Kentucky, however, cites health concerns as the primary reason for potentially backing out of the game. Alleged messages between the two teams suggest that the Wildcats are dealing with health issues among their staff and don’t want to risk playing with more than half their roster unable to participate. Louisville’s managers aren’t buying it, interpreting Kentucky’s hesitation as a cop-out to avoid playing.
The controversy deepens with conflicting views on roster eligibility. Kentucky reportedly wants to limit participation to managers and graduate assistants, while Louisville insists on including all support staff. This difference is significant because Louisville’s roster could include former Cardinal Peyton Siva, who starred for Louisville during their 2013 title run.
Louisville managers: get a professional basketball player to play in manager games.
— Red Cup Kentucky (@KentuckyRedCup) December 13, 2024
Also Louisville manager games: “why don’t other schools’ managers want to play us?”
The Manager Game was scheduled for Friday night, but as of now, it remains uncertain whether it will take place. While the main event between the Wildcats and Cardinals will dominate headlines, the off-court rivalry highlights the playful yet competitive spirit that makes this series so special. Will the managers settle it on the court, or will this year’s game be remembered for its off-court drama? Only time will tell.
Are Kentucky managers really dodging Siva and the Cards, or are they really missing key players?
Manager games! Kentucky manager Barrett Bouska hits the game winner at Louisville! Down 27 at one point, the UK managers with a comeback for the ages! But, Bouska still had to run scout team this morning. No respect. pic.twitter.com/RVxIgTNFMt
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 29, 2018
Kentucky and Louisville is scheduled to tip at 5:15 on ESPN.