Auburn Moves 2026 Baylor Game to Atlanta for NIL

Auburn announced it is moving its 2026 home game against Baylor to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta as the Aflac Kickoff Game on Sept. 5, 2026, completing the teams' home-and-home after Auburn's 38-24 win in Waco in 2025. The school says the move creates a “first-of-its-kind” neutral-site NIL activation, with Peach Bowl, Inc. and the Aflac Kickoff Game working with third-party entities to secure marketing assets and promotional appearances tied to ticket sales and surrounding events as part of a multi‑million‑dollar partnership. Athletic director John Cohen said the national-stage exposure will help student‑athletes financially and enhance their brands. Reporter Brett McMurphy estimated the arrangement could generate roughly $5 million in NIL opportunities for Auburn players, though specific payout and distribution details remain vague. Auburn will receive an allotment of 20,645 tickets while Baylor gets 3,000, and the move will reduce Auburn's true home games in 2026 from seven to six.