KINGSPORT, Tennessee | SESNsports.com | April 27th, 2026 — Fans can watch the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Softball Tournament free and live on the Southeast Sports Network (SESN). The five-day, 10-team double-elimination event begins Monday, April 27 and runs through Friday, May 1 at the Brickyard Ball Fields in Kingsport, Tennessee, bringing together the conference’s top programs with a trip to the NAIA National Championship on the line.
Johnson enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed after finishing the regular season as co-champion alongside Reinhardt with a 19-7 conference record. Johnson earned the top spot by sweeping the season series against Reinhardt, securing one of the AAC’s two automatic bids to the NAIA National Championship. The second automatic berth will be awarded to the tournament champion, or to the tournament runner-up if Johnson captures the title.
2026 AAC Softball Tournament
Brickyard Ball Fields – Kingsport, Tennessee
April 27 – May 1, 2026
Format: 10-Team Double Elimination
Television: SESNsports.com, NSBNsports.com
Television Talent: Gabriel Schray, Brendan Sweany
The AAC Softball Tournament annually serves as one of the premier postseason events in the NAIA landscape, combining depth across the conference with a competitive double-elimination format that rewards consistency, pitching depth, and situational execution. With 10 teams advancing, the bracket creates multiple paths to the championship while placing immediate pressure on early-round matchups.
The tournament field features a balanced mix of nationally competitive programs and emerging contenders. Reinhardt, Brenau, and Bryan headline the top half of the bracket behind Johnson, while Pikeville and Truett McConnell enter as dangerous mid-seeds capable of making extended runs. Columbia International brings one of the strongest overall records in the field at 31-15, while Spartanburg Methodist and Columbia round out a group that has shown the ability to compete across conference play.
Beyond the championship implications, the AAC Tournament plays a critical role in shaping the NAIA postseason picture. With multiple teams capable of making deep runs, the event provides a platform for programs to build momentum, strengthen resumes, and secure national positioning heading into the championship field.
HOW TO WATCH FREE TELEVISION COVERAGE
TV: Free Sports on the Southeast Sports Network
Stream: Fire TV, SESNsports.com, Twitch, YouTube
Television Talent: Gabriel Schray, Brendan Sweany
Can’t make it to the game? The Southeast Sports Network (SESN) has you covered. Operated by Schray Media, SESN, will broadcast the game live and free across multiple free digital platforms. Viewers can watch live on SESNsports.com, SESN‘s website or mobile app, or tune in via YouTube, Twitch, and Amazon Fire TV. The network’s coverage includes professional-quality production, live commentary, and real-time storytelling throughout the event.
All coverage of the event will be simulcast nationally on affiliate network the National Sports Broadcast Network (NSBN), expanding the reach of the event well beyond the Southeast. Additional viewing options include the SESNsports.com streaming portals, NSBN Twitch, and the official YouTube channels of both brands. Athletic departments, conferences, and local television groups are encouraged to inquire about local rebroadcast rights.
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