Everything to Know About the 2026 Southland Basketball Tournament
Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It's officially MARCH! The 2026 Southland Conference Basketball tournament is set to get underway this weekend, where they will punch TWO tickets to March Madness. Here's everything you need to know about the tournament...
Ticket Information
Session tickets for tournament games in Lake Charles are available now and can be purchased online by CLICKING HERE or by calling the McNeese ticket office at (337) 562-4678.
How To Watch the 2026 Southland Conference Tournament
Most early-round games will be streamed on ESPN+, while semifinal games will air on ESPNU. The men’s championship game will be shown on ESPN2, giving fans a national stage to watch the title matchup.
The coverage of the Southland Conference Tournament will also include the Southland's YouTube channel, where the panel will discuss each game, including bringing you postgame reaction and coverage.
Fan Fest Tailgate Presented by Lake Charles Toyota
Fans heading to the Southland Conference Basketball Tournament can also enjoy a new addition this year with the Fan Fest Tailgate presented by Lake Charles Toyota. The tailgate party will take place in Lot A outside Legacy Center and will feature live music along with free food and drinks for fans throughout the tournament.
Fan Fest Tailgate Entertainment Lineup
March 9 (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Alec Dean — 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
John Guidroz Band — 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
March 10 (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Alec Dean — 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Dani Lacour — 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
JM + The Backstabbers — 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
March 11 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Doc Wilder Trio — 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
March 12
DJ Music — 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
2026 Southland Conference Men/Women Tournament Schedule
Sunday, March 8 – Men’s First Round
Game 1 – 5:00 PM (ESPN+): No. 5 New Orleans vs. No. 8 HCU
Game 2 – 7:30 PM (ESPN+): No. 6 Nicholls vs. No. 7 Northwestern State
Monday, March 9 – Women’s First Round
Game 1 – 11:00 AM (ESPN+): No. 5 Northwestern State vs. No. 8 East Texas A&M
Game 2 – 1:30 PM (ESPN+): No. 6 UIW vs. No. 7 Nicholls
Monday, March 9 – Men’s Quarterfinals
Game 3 – 5:00 PM (ESPN+): No. 4 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi vs. Winner of Game 1
Game 4 – 7:30 PM (ESPN+): No. 3 UTRGV vs. Winner of Game 2
Tuesday, March 10 – Women’s Quarterfinals
Game 3 – 11:00 AM (ESPN+): No. 4 UTRGV vs. Winner of Game 1
Game 4 – 1:30 PM (ESPN+): No. 3 Seed vs. Winner of Game 2
Tuesday, March 10 – Men’s Semifinals
Game 5 – 6:00 PM (ESPNU): No. 1 SFA vs. Winner of Game 3
Game 6 – 8:30 PM (ESPN+): No. 2 McNeese vs. Winner of Game 4
Wednesday, March 11 – Women’s Semifinals
Game 5 – 10:30 AM (ESPN+): No. 1 McNeese vs. Winner of Game 3
Game 6 – 1:00 PM (ESPN+): No. 2 Seed vs. Winner of Game 4
Wednesday, March 11 – Men’s Championship
4:00 PM - (ESPN2): Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6
Thursday, March 12 – Women’s Championship
4:00 PM - (ESPNU): Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6
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Gallery Credit: Chaston