AUBURN, Ala. – For the second straight season, Auburn softball will compete in the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic presented by MaxBP, Feb. 11-14 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Florida.
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced the tournament field Tuesday. Auburn is scheduled to play six games across the four-day event, which features a tournament-record 49 games.
Auburn opens the tournament Thursday, Feb. 11, against 2026 Women’s College World Series participant Nebraska at 5 p.m. CT. The Tigers will play a pair of games Friday, Feb. 12, facing Cal Baptist and NC State beginning at 3 p.m. CT.
The Tigers have another doubleheader scheduled Saturday, Feb. 13, against Bethune-Cookman and Indiana. Saturday’s action begins at 1 p.m. CT. Auburn’s tournament finale is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 14, at 9 a.m. CT against Wisconsin.
New to the 2027 edition of the tournament is the “Elevate the Game Incentive” program, made possible by a $100,000 donation from Tracy and John Sellers. “Elevate the Game” is one of the NFCA’s core principles. The incentive initiative will provide teams the opportunity to earn financial awards based on the NFCA’s purpose, core values and mission. Over the four-day event, all participating programs are eligible to receive allocations, ensuring equal access to incentives regardless of conference affiliation or 2026 performance.
In addition to the tournament champion earning $50,000, another $50,000 in targeted incentives will be distributed across three distinct award tracks aligned with the NFCA’s core pillars of “Innovate. Inspire. Coach.” “Innovate” rewards team statistical leaders in four categories — two offensive and two defensive — while “Inspire” is presented to the program that best embodies sportsmanship, integrity and the mission of the NFCA. “Coach” recognizes outstanding coaching performance, strategic execution and overall team leadership.
The Tigers are making their fourth appearance at the NFCA Leadoff Classic over the last eight seasons, having previously competed in the tournament in 2020, 2023 and 2026. Auburn holds an 11-4 record across its three previous appearances.
Every game of the tournament will be streamed for free through GameChanger with select contests elevated to the MLB Network. MLB Network designations will be announced at a later date. Tickets are now available for purchase. For more information on the 2027 NFCA D1 Leadoff Classic, visit the tournament central site.