2026 SEC Basketball Tournament: Bracket, Schedule, and Championship Outlook
The 2026 SEC Basketball Tournament tips off on Wednesday, March 11th, and culminates with the championship game on Sunday, March 15th. All tournament action will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the bracket, schedule, seeds, and what to expect from this year’s competition.
Defending Champions and Early Contenders
Florida enters the tournament as the defending champion, having defeated Tennessee in the 2025 title game. Remarkably, the Gators went on to win the NCAA tournament title following their SEC victory. This year, Florida secured the top seed, positioning them as early favorites to repeat. Alabama follows as the second seed, with Arkansas and Vanderbilt rounding out the top four.
2026 SEC Tournament Bracket Highlights
The 16-team bracket is set, promising a competitive path to the championship. Key matchups will emerge as the tournament progresses. Fans can view the full bracket here for a detailed gaze at the potential paths to the final.
Tournament Schedule: Key Dates and Times (All Times ET)
Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
- First Round – Wednesday, March 11
- Second Round – Thursday, March 12
- Quarterfinals – Friday, March 13
- Semifinals – Saturday, March 14
- Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner | 1 p.m. On ESPN
- Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner | 25 minutes after Game 13 on ESPN
- Championship – Sunday, March 15
- Game 15: Semifinal winners | 1 p.m. On ESPN
2026 SEC Tournament Seeds
- Florida
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Vanderbilt
- Tennessee
- Texas A&M
- Georgia
- Missouri
- Kentucky
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Auburn
- Mississippi State
- South Carolina
- Ole Miss
- LSU
A Look Back: SEC Tournament History
Kentucky boasts the most SEC tournament titles with an impressive 32 championships. The tournament has a rich history, with memorable moments spanning decades. The table below details past champions and results.
| YEAR | CHAMPION | SCORE | RUNNER-UP | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Kentucky | 46-27 | Mississippi State | Atlanta |
| 2025 | Florida | 86-77 | Tennessee | Nashville, Tenn. |
Where to Watch
All games will be broadcast on ESPN and its related networks. Streaming options are also available through various platforms.
FAQ
- Where is the 2026 SEC Tournament being held? Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
- When does the tournament start? Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
- Who is the defending champion? Florida.
- What channel will the championship game be on? ESPN.
Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the 2026 SEC Basketball Tournament unfolds!
