Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide will be back in Birmingham this season for another premier non-conference matchup in the sixth edition of the C.M. Newton Classic at Legacy Arena.

According to a release from the C.M. Newton Classic, it will be the St. John’s Red Storm coming to the Magic City led by one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport — Rick Pitino — on December 12, 2026.

“We are excited to return to Birmingham and face not only a great team in St. John’s but a hall of fame coach in Rick Pitino,” Oats said. “Every year the C.M. Newton Classic provides an amazing atmosphere and we are thrilled to host an exciting matchup in our state and in front of our incredible fans in addition to playing a quality opponent, it is a great way to honor Coach Newton’s legacy and the impact he made on the University of Alabama and our sport.”

Last season, Alabama got the chance to face St. John’s in Madison Square Garden in New York City and left with a victory in a thrilling 103-96 win behind huge games from Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway.

Pitino is thrilled to have the chance at a rematch, but also honor a coach in Newton who was a mentor to him early in his career.

“This is a game that goes beyond the court for me,” Pitino said. “C.M. Newton was a mentor and friend, playing in the 2026 C.M. Newton Classic means a lot to me and his legacy. In addition to honoring a friend, we’re excited to play at Legacy Arena against an impressive Alabama team. It promises to be an exciting game and an electric atmosphere.”

The RxBenefits C.M. Newton Classic honors former Alabama men’s basketball head coach, C.M. Newton. Newton was known for not only his accomplishments on the court as a coach but also the impact he made off the court.

Standing for courage, he was the first coach to put forth an all-Black starting five in the SEC, integrate the University of Alabama’s men’s basketball team and recruit players such as Wendell Hudson. After his time at Alabama, Newton went on to become AD at Kentucky where he hired Rick Pitino as head basketball coach in 1998.

“As a company based in Birmingham, we’re excited to be a part of hosting another high-caliber match up at the 2026 C.M. Newton Classic at Legacy Arena,” said Robert Gamble, RxBenefits CEO. “Beyond the hardwood, the game continues to make a difference by supporting local organizations that work to continue C.M. Newton’s legacy through the Legacy Builder campaign. RxBenefits is proud to support a game that not only provides exciting match ups for fans, but makes a meaningful impact in the Birmingham community.”