On October 22, 2026, the Auburn Tigers will host the Alabama Crimson Tide in a preseason exhibition at Birmingham’s BJCC Legacy Arena, marking the second meeting of a three‑game series that pits two of the SEC’s most storied programs against each other.
Rivalry Renewed
The Crimson Tide have dominated the recent matchups, sweeping Auburn in the past three seasons with narrow overtime victories in 2023 and 2025. Yet the Tigers snapped a streak in 2025, pulling off a 94‑85 win that underscored their capability to challenge Alabama’s supremacy.
Beyond bragging rights, the game carries a financial incentive: a sell‑out crowd would unlock six‑figure name, image and likeness payouts for both universities, turning the exhibition into a revenue‑driven showcase for the schools.
Coaching Perspectives
Auburn’s head coach Steven Pearl will use the contest as a crucial benchmark before the regular season opener in November, while Alabama’s Nate Oats will also be watching closely. Standout players such as Mark Sears, Johni Broome and veteran guard Labaron Philon Jr. are expected to feature prominently, adding star power to the preseason spectacle.
Fans can look forward to two more regular‑season meetings scheduled for January 30 and March 6, but the October showdown promises to set the tone for what could be a pivotal year in the SEC’s basketball landscape.