There might be a considerable amount of time left on the calendar before the Auburn Tigers return to the hardwood after a season that ended with them claiming the NIT title, but that didn’t stop Steven Pearl and company from providing the Tiger faithful with something to be excited for.

It was announced on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 12 that the Tigers will meet up with the Wisconsin Badgers for a contest inside Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, Dec. 19. Tickets for the contest will be available for purchase by the general public on Thursday at 9 a.m. CT.

This will only be the second meeting between the Tigers and Badgers on the hardwood. Wisconsin claimed a victory in the previous matchup, earning a neutral site win in South Parade Island, Texas on Nov. 25, 2006.

Wisconsin finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 24-11 overall record and came in at No. 25 in the final AP and Coaches rankings. They were sent home after falling to High Point in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Bridgestone Arena is a venue the Tigers know well, as the SEC Tournament is played their on an annual basis.

Auburn was victorious in one matchup during the 2026 edition of that tournament. They beat Mississippi State in the opening round before Tennessee sent the Tigers packing on the following day, taking away their chances of  competing in the NCAA Tournament in the process. The Volunteers have eliminated the Tigers from the tournament two years in a row.

It hasn’t been long since Auburn was cutting down nets after winning the SEC Tournament, as the Tigers came out on top in the 2024 edition of the event. 

A tip off time and television information for the contest have not been announced at this time. More information about Auburn's non-conference schedule will be released throughout the summer.