A documentary on Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers, including their victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been announced on Netflix.

In a move that has the college basketball world buzzing, Netflix has officially announced a new sports documentary chronicling the rise of Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers. The series, set to debut later this year, will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of college basketball’s most dynamic programs, with a special spotlight on Auburn’s thrilling victory over bitter rival Alabama.

This docuseries aims to do more than just recount game scores or highlight reels—it promises to peel back the curtain on the passion, culture, and relentless pursuit of excellence that define Auburn basketball under Bruce Pearl’s leadership. From recruiting triumphs to emotional locker room speeches, the series is expected to showcase the grit and fire that has transformed the Tigers into a perennial force in the SEC and a respected name on the national stage.

A Story Worth Telling

Few programs in the country have experienced a transformation as dramatic as Auburn’s under Bruce Pearl. When he took over the team in 2014, Auburn was mired in mediocrity. With little national relevance and an underwhelming SEC resume, the Tigers were desperate for a spark. Pearl provided that and more.

Over the next decade, he turned Auburn into a top-tier program—known for its aggressive defense, breakneck pace, and relentless energy. Under his watch, Auburn made history with a Final Four run in 2019, captured multiple SEC titles, and consistently held top rankings in national polls.

Now, Netflix is diving headfirst into that journey, telling the story of how Pearl built a culture of belief and success, often in the face of long odds. The documentary will blend game footage, player interviews, and candid moments captured throughout the season to offer a raw, unfiltered look at life inside one of college basketball’s most intense and passionate programs.

The Rivalry at the Heart of the Drama

At the center of the upcoming series is Auburn’s intense and emotionally charged rivalry with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Few games stir as much emotion in the state of Alabama as an Auburn vs. Alabama showdown—whether on the football field or the hardwood. The documentary will take fans behind the scenes of one of the Tigers’ most satisfying basketball victories: their statement win over Alabama during the 2024–25 season.

That win wasn’t just a checkmark in the standings. It was symbolic—a representation of the power shift Pearl has overseen in a state traditionally dominated by Alabama football.

In that game, Auburn didn’t just beat the Tide—they overwhelmed them. Fueled by a raucous home crowd and the kind of intensity that only this rivalry can bring, the Tigers played with an edge that was both calculated and ferocious. Bruce Pearl’s sideline passion, his booming voice echoing through Auburn Arena, will be a central visual in the documentary.

Expect Netflix to lean heavily into the personal stories surrounding that game—the preparation leading up to it, the emotional stakes for both players and coaches, and the release of adrenaline when the final buzzer sounded. Fans will get to relive every dramatic possession, every roar from the crowd, and every moment of celebration that followed.

Bruce Pearl: The Centerpiece

At the heart of this documentary is the man who changed everything: Bruce Pearl. Known for his fiery personality, intense coaching style, and unmatched charisma, Pearl has long been one of college basketball’s most polarizing and captivating figures. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the impact he’s had on Auburn—and on the game at large.

Netflix aims to explore Pearl beyond the coach’s clipboard. The series will dive into his career journey, from his early coaching days at Southern Indiana and Milwaukee to his controversial tenure at Tennessee and his triumphant return to the SEC with Auburn.

Pearl’s redemption arc is tailor-made for storytelling. After being ousted from Tennessee in the wake of NCAA violations, many doubted he would ever return to the same level of prominence. But Auburn gave him a second chance—and he rewarded the program with historic success.

The documentary will explore his rebuilding process, the emotional toll of starting over, and the fierce loyalty he inspires in his players. Viewers will witness Pearl’s unique ability to connect with athletes, his off-court mentorship, and the way he embraces Auburn’s “family” mentality.

The Players Who Brought the Vision to Life

Of course, Bruce Pearl’s vision could never come to life without the players who bought into his philosophy. The Netflix series will shine a light on key players from the 2024–25 roster—highlighting not just their performances on the court, but their personal journeys.

Expect in-depth profiles on players like Johni Broome, the team’s emotional anchor and skilled forward who played a pivotal role in the win over Alabama. There will likely be a focus on the leadership of veteran guards, the emergence of young stars, and the chemistry that made this team so dangerous in crunch time.

Viewers will also see how the players handle adversity—injuries, losses, and personal challenges—and how Pearl and his staff guide them through it all. The documentary isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about character, growth, and the unique brotherhood forged inside the walls of Auburn Arena.

A Cultural Experience

Beyond basketball, the Netflix series aims to showcase Auburn’s broader culture—its fans, traditions, and community support. From “War Eagle” chants echoing throughout campus to students camping out for tickets, the documentary will highlight what makes Auburn basketball more than just a game. It’s a movement.

The production team reportedly embedded themselves in the Auburn program throughout the season, capturing everything from pre-dawn workouts to family dinners at Pearl’s home. The idea is to humanize the program—to show the hearts behind the jerseys and the bonds that transcend wins and losses.

Expect emotional moments with families, community outreach scenes, and glimpses of the players navigating life as student-athletes. Auburn fans have long prided themselves on being more than spectators—they’re part of the team’s soul. Netflix plans to bring that connection to life in vivid detail.

Elevating the SEC Spotlight

This documentary isn’t just a win for Auburn—it’s a win for the SEC. While football has long dominated national conversations in the South, SEC basketball has quietly risen to prominence in recent years. With programs like Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas all making noise on the national scene, Auburn’s ascension has added another elite contender to the mix.

The Netflix series will likely address this broader evolution, showing how Pearl’s Tigers have helped elevate the profile of SEC hoops and proven that basketball in the South can be just as electric as it is in the traditional power regions of the Midwest or Northeast.

For recruits, this is a huge spotlight. For Auburn’s program, it’s a branding moment that could fuel future success. And for fans of college basketball, it’s an opportunity to dive into one of the sport’s most intriguing modern stories.

Pearl Reacts to the News

In a recent statement, Bruce Pearl shared his excitement about the project:

“We’re honored that Netflix saw something special in what we’ve built here at Auburn. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about people, perseverance, and passion. I can’t wait for the world to see the heart of our team and this university.”

Pearl also hinted that the documentary will include some surprises—unseen footage, candid emotional moments, and behind-the-scenes drama that only a full-access camera crew could capture. He emphasized that the series wouldn’t be a polished highlight reel, but a raw, authentic portrayal of the journey.

When to Expect It

While an official release date hasn’t been announced, sources indicate that the series will likely drop in late summer or early fall, potentially coinciding with the lead-up to the 2025–26 college basketball season. The timing couldn’t be better for Auburn, as anticipation for next year’s team continues to grow.

The documentary is expected to span 4–6 episodes, each running about an hour, making it a binge-worthy experience for fans across the country.

More Than a Game

Netflix’s decision to spotlight Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers speaks volumes about where the program stands in the national conversation. This isn’t just a Cinderella story—it’s the tale of a coach and a team that refused to be overlooked, who built something special with sweat, sacrifice, and unrelenting belief.

For Auburn fans, it’s a moment of pride. For rivals, it’s a reminder of just how far the Tigers have come. And for college basketball as a whole, it’s a celebration of the passion that fuels the game.

In the words of Bruce Pearl: