Alabama-Auburn MBB Schedule Exhibition Match

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Iron Bowl will be coming to men's basketball a little earlier than expected this season, as Alabama and Auburn will face off in an exhibition game, according to a report from On3’s Justin Hokanson on Wednesday morning.

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“We are excited to add to this Alabama-Auburn series with The Feud in October,” Alabama coach Nate Oats added. “Not only does this matchup mean so much to the state, but it has proven to be one of the best matchups in all of college basketball over recent years.”

This exhibition showdown will help raise additional funds for each school's respective NIL funds. If the arena is sold out, both teams are expected to receive six-figure NIL funds.

“Our goal in scheduling exhibition games is to play quality opponents to test ourselves before the official season begins,” Auburn coach Steven Pearl said in a statement. “Playing a team like Alabama provides us an incredible opportunity to accomplish that goal, while obviously giving our fans, our state and the entire basketball world a unique opportunity to see two rivals face off at a neutral site.”

This will be the second exhibition game for the Crimson Tide as they also toe off with familiar SEC foe Ole Miss, who ended their run in the SEC Tournament last season. The Crimson Tide will face the Rebels at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham at 7 p.m. CT.

Oats and the Crimson Tide will also face off against Steven Pearl and company twice in the regular season on January 30 in Tuscaloosa and on March 6 at Auburn.

The Crimson Tide swept the Tigers in the season series in the 2025-26 campaign and hold a 105-69 record in the all-time series.

Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 22, at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Pre-sale tickets will be available from August 27 to 31, and general public tickets will be available September 1.

“We look forward to an exciting contest in front of our amazing fans at Legacy Arena,” Oats said.