Alabama basketball's scheduled home game against Samford in December might not be played depending on how the Crimson Tide fares at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.
The Tuscaloosa News has obtained a communication sent to season ticketholders on Friday, Oct. 16, informing them that tickets were available to download digitally and that Alabama's matchup against Samford is not included in the season ticket package, explaining the following:
"Should the Crimson Tide advance to the Players Era Tournament Championship game on Saturday, November 28, the December 29 contest will be canceled. If the Crimson Tide does not advance to the Players Era Tournament Championship, all season ticket holders will receive single-event tickets to the December 29 game at no additional cost."
Samford athletics director Martin Newton told The Tuscaloosa News that the university was "aware" when the contract was drafted that the game was tentative depending on the results of the Players Era Festival.
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How much would Alabama basketball pay Samford if game was played?
Per a contract obtained by The Tuscaloosa News through an open records request, if the game is played, Alabama will pay Samford $85,000.
The contract also states, "Failure of either institution to honor this contract (except by mutual agreement) shall result inpayment of $100,000 by the institution failing to appear."
The contract includes a force majeure, which is legal jargon for a clause excusing parties of contractual obligations depending on unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances, but the clause does not specifically outline that the Alabama-Samford game will not be played if the Crimson Tide advances to the Players Era Championship.
The clause lists reasons including, but not limited to, public health issues, fire, natural disasters, war and other possible occurrences out of control of the schools, or "any issue" both parties agree make it "unreasonable to move forward as planned."
What is Alabama basketball's record vs Samford?
Samford and Alabama have not faced each other since Dec. 18, 2019. UA leads the series 8-1, highlighted by a 5-1 record at home.
Alabama's third straight appearance in the Players Era Festival will start with a game against Baylor on Nov. 24 in Las Vegas.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Alabama basketball game vs Samford may be canceled | Exclusive