How to Watch South Alabama vs Auburn Tigers: TV Channel & NIT Matchup Details
By Craig Dudek
Published:
The 2026 National Invitation Tournament brings an intrastate basketball battle as the South Alabama Jaguars take on the Auburn Tigers in the first round. Auburn enters the contest as the number one overall seed in the NIT after narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament as the second team out. Head coach Steven Pearl aims to refocus his Tigers, who hold a 17-16 record, for a deep postseason run.
On the other side, head coach Richie Riley leads a 21-11 South Alabama squad that boasts back-to-back 20-win seasons and is hunting for the program’s first NIT victory since 1984. Although neither program is ranked in the AP Top 25, the pressure of a sudden-death postseason tournament and local bragging rights sets the stage for a highly competitive matchup.
For fans tracking every minute of this in-state clash, continue reading for all the essential game day information. The details below outline the scheduled tip-off time, the arena location, the designated TV channel, and the available streaming options to catch the broadcast live.
When is South Alabama vs Auburn? What time does it start?
The postseason NIT matchup between the South Alabama Jaguars and the Auburn Tigers takes place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET.
Where is South Alabama vs Auburn?
The Auburn Tigers serve as the home team for this first-round postseason contest. They are hosting the away team, the South Alabama Jaguars, at Neville Arena, which is located in Auburn, Alabama.
How can I watch South Alabama vs Auburn?
The game between the South Alabama Jaguars and the Auburn Tigers will be broadcast live on ESPN2. This network is the sole television destination providing coverage for the matchup. Viewers can tune into the broadcast through any cable, satellite, or digital television package that includes the ESPN family of networks.
How can I stream South Alabama vs Auburn?
With the broadcast airing on ESPN2, viewers have multiple streaming options for the matchup. The network offers live streaming through its branded platforms, allowing fans to watch the game on the ESPN app or via ESPN.com. Accessing this direct stream requires a login with credentials from a valid TV provider.
For those without a traditional cable package, several major live streaming services carry ESPN2. Viewers can stream the contest using an active subscription to any of the following platforms:
Who Will Win South Alabama vs Auburn?
The Auburn Tigers enter this NIT first-round matchup as overwhelming favorites, holding a 93% win probability compared to just 7% for the South Alabama Jaguars. Auburn’s status as the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, combined with home-court advantage at Neville Arena, drives the lopsided projection. The Tigers’ résumé includes wins over seven NCAA Tournament teams this season, and their SEC-tested roster presents a significant talent gap against the Sun Belt’s Jaguars. Still, South Alabama’s back-to-back 20-win seasons and what coaches have called a “crazy defensive scheme” could make this closer than the numbers suggest. Fans looking to track shifting market sentiment can monitor Kalshi, where contracts for the matchup will reflect real-time win probabilities leading up to tip-off.
Creative Manager and Writer at Sportradar. Craig has previously worked as a camera operator and video director in radio and television, as well as a content coordinator in the non-profit sector.
