UConn and UCLA Headline Women's NCAA Tournament Race as Debate Builds Over Top Overall Seed

The Huskies and Bruins have separated themselves from the field, but which program will earn the coveted No. 1 overall seed?

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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As the women's NCAA Tournament selection show approaches, there is little debate about which two programs will sit atop the bracket. UConn and UCLA have separated themselves from the rest of the field throughout the season and are widely expected to claim the tournament's two highest seeds when the bracket is unveiled Sunday night. The real question entering selection week is not whether the Huskies and Bruins will be placed at the top, but which program will earn the coveted position as the overall No. 1 seed.

Why it matters

The debate over the top overall seed has gained momentum in recent weeks, with UCLA making a compelling late argument that it deserves the honor after delivering a dominant performance in the Big Ten championship game. The decision could carry strategic advantages, as the team awarded the top overall seed is scheduled to play its regional final on Sunday rather than Monday, providing an additional day of rest before the Final Four.

The details

UConn and UCLA have both captured their respective conference tournament titles in convincing fashion, leaving the selection committee with two remarkably strong résumés to compare. UConn currently sits at No. 1 in the NCAA's NET ranking system, while UCLA holds the second spot. The Huskies have also navigated the toughest nonconference schedule in the country, but critics note that the Big East Conference has experienced a relatively down year compared with other major leagues. Meanwhile, UCLA has built its case through one of the strongest conferences in the nation, the Big Ten, and has posted an impressive 18-1 record in 'Quadrant 1' matchups against elite opponents.

  • The women's NCAA Tournament selection show is scheduled for Sunday night.
  • The Final Four is set to begin on April 3.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team.

UConn

The University of Connecticut women's basketball team, which is widely expected to be one of the top seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles women's basketball team, which has also separated itself from the rest of the field and is expected to be one of the top seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I wouldn't be surprised and I'd be fine with it. It really doesn't matter that much to me. It's been a while since we've been the top overall seed anyway. If the committee said UCLA was No. 1 overall, I'd just say they're really, really good. After what they did in their last game, it's hard to argue with that.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn (yournews.com)

What’s next

The selection committee will reveal the full NCAA Tournament bracket on Sunday night, setting the stage for what promises to be another dramatic March in women's college basketball.

The takeaway

The debate over the top overall seed in the women's NCAA Tournament has gained significant momentum in recent weeks, with both UConn and UCLA making strong cases for the coveted position. Regardless of the committee's decision, the two programs have clearly established themselves as the teams to beat, and their potential matchup in the Final Four could be one of the most anticipated games of the tournament.