South Carolina and UCLA to Face Off in Women's National Championship Game

Gamecocks seek fourth title, Bruins make first championship appearance

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:37am

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The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game will feature a matchup of top seeds as South Carolina takes on UCLA on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, is seeking its fourth title in the past five seasons, while UCLA is making its first-ever appearance in the championship game.

Why it matters

This game features two of the top women's basketball programs in the country. South Carolina has established itself as a powerhouse under Staley, while UCLA is looking to break through and win its first national championship. The outcome will determine the 2026 NCAA women's basketball champion.

The details

South Carolina advanced to the title game with a 62-48 victory over UConn, ending the Huskies' 54-game winning streak. UCLA beat Texas 51-44 to reach its first-ever championship game, led by 16 points from star player Lauren Betts. The Gamecocks rely on stifling defense, while the veteran Bruins lineup features mostly seniors and graduate players.

  • The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game will be played on Sunday, April 5.
  • Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Dawn Staley

Head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, seeking her fourth national championship in five seasons.

Lauren Betts

Star player for the UCLA Bruins, who scored 16 points in the team's Final Four victory over Texas.

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What’s next

The winner of the South Carolina vs. UCLA matchup will be crowned the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball National Champion.

The takeaway

This championship game features two of the top women's basketball programs in the country, with South Carolina looking to cement its dynasty and UCLA seeking its first-ever national title. The outcome will determine the 2026 NCAA women's basketball champion.