Women's NCAA Tournament 2026 Schedule Announced

Selection Sunday, March Madness dates, and Final Four location revealed for upcoming women's college basketball tournament

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The schedule for the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament has been announced, with Selection Sunday set for March 15 and the first games tipping off on March 18. The Final Four and national championship game will be held in Phoenix, Arizona on April 3 and 5. Conference tournament dates across the country are also included in the full tournament schedule.

Why it matters

The women's NCAA Tournament is one of the most anticipated events in college sports, showcasing the top talent in women's basketball. The announcement of the schedule allows fans to plan their viewing and provides context for the ongoing conference races as teams jockey for tournament bids.

The details

The 68-team bracket for the 2026 women's NCAA Tournament will be unveiled during the Selection Sunday broadcast on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on March 15. The first games of the tournament, including the First Four, will tip off on March 18. The Final Four and national championship game will be held at Mortgage Matchup Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on April 3 and 5.

  • Selection Sunday is on March 15, 2026.
  • The first games of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament will be played on March 18.
  • The Final Four and national championship game will take place on April 3 and 5, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is the organization that oversees and regulates college sports, including the women's basketball tournament.

Mortgage Matchup Arena

The venue located in Phoenix, Arizona that will host the 2026 women's basketball Final Four and national championship game.

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What’s next

Fans can now mark their calendars for the key dates of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, including Selection Sunday on March 15 and the Final Four in Phoenix on April 3-5.

The takeaway

The announcement of the 2026 women's NCAA Tournament schedule provides college basketball fans with important dates to look forward to, as teams compete for a spot in the prestigious event that showcases the top talent in the sport.