If you’re staring at your TV remote wondering what time does Alabama come on, you aren't alone. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the Tuscaloosa sports machine is in full gear. Between the hardwood and the gymnastics floor, keeping track of the Tide is basically a full-time job.
Today is all about the women's teams.
The marquee matchup is a Top-25 showdown at Coleman Coliseum. The No. 21 Alabama Women’s Basketball team takes on No. 20 Tennessee at 1 p.m. CT. You can catch that one on the SEC Network. If you’re on the East Coast, that’s a 2 p.m. start. Honestly, this is a massive game for Kim Caldwell’s squad. They’re coming off a tough 58-54 upset loss to Auburn on Thursday, and they really need to defend home court to keep pace in a brutal SEC.
Alabama Sports Schedule: What Time Does Alabama Come On Today?
While the basketball game is the main event for most, it’s a busy day for Tide athletics across the board. If you're looking for the specifics, here is how the Sunday slate shakes out:
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- Women’s Tennis: The Tide is hosting Montana State at 10:30 a.m. CT.
- Women’s Basketball: vs. Tennessee at 1 p.m. CT (SEC Network).
- Men’s Tennis: Following the women, the men face Montana State at 3:30 p.m. CT.
Noticeably absent from today's live TV list? The men's basketball team. Nate Oats and the guys actually played yesterday, January 17, against Oklahoma in Norman. They were ranked No. 18 going into that noon tip-off, and since they just finished that road trip, they've got a few days off before their next clash.
Where to Watch the Crimson Tide
Television rights in 2026 are still a bit of a maze, but for today, it’s pretty straightforward. The SEC Network has the exclusive broadcast for the Tennessee game. If you’re out of the house, you can stream it via the ESPN app, provided you have a cable login or a service like FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV.
For the tennis matches, you're looking at live streams. Most of these non-broadcast events are tucked away on SEC Network+, which is the digital-only wing of the network. You don't need a separate subscription for it if you already get the SEC Network, but you do need to use the app.
What About Alabama Football?
It’s mid-January. The pads are off, but the news never stops in Tuscaloosa.
If you were hoping for a playoff game today, I’ve got some bad news. Alabama’s season ended earlier this month with a 38-3 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. It was a rough exit, and Kalen DeBoer hasn't had much time to breathe since.
The roster is currently in a state of flux. Just this month, we saw center Parker Brailsford declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s a "freak" athlete who was a massive part of that offensive line. On top of that, the transfer portal has been active. Starters like Wilkin Formby have moved on, and there’s a lot of chatter about whether quarterback Ty Simpson will stick around or test the NFL waters himself.
Even though there’s no game today, 33 former Crimson Tide players are scattered across the NFL rosters for this weekend’s Divisional Playoff round. If you’re watching the NFL today, you’re basically watching Alabama’s pro alumni association.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
If today’s schedule doesn't satisfy your Tide craving, the next few days are packed.
- Men’s Basketball: They return to action on Saturday, January 24, for a big home game against the Tennessee Volunteers at 7:30 p.m. CT.
- Gymnastics: One of the most popular draws in Tuscaloosa, the gymnastics team, finally returns home on Friday, January 23, to host Missouri at 6:59 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum.
- Women’s Basketball: After today's Tennessee game, they’ll host South Dakota State on Wednesday, January 21.
Actionable Tips for Tide Fans
Staying updated on what time does Alabama come on requires a little bit of legwork because schedules change constantly based on TV windows.
To make sure you never miss a tip-off or a first serve, you should download the Official Alabama Athletics App. It's the most reliable way to get real-time score updates and schedule changes. Also, follow the specific team accounts on X (formerly Twitter). The main "AlabamaFTBL" or "AlabamaWBB" accounts often post "Gameday Threads" an hour before the event with the exact channel and streaming links.
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If you are planning to attend a game at Coleman Coliseum, remember that the "Clear Bag" policy is still strictly enforced. Arrive at least 45 minutes early, especially for SEC matchups like today’s game against Tennessee, as security lines can get backed up right before the National Anthem.