March Madness Women's Tournament Dates, Times, and TV Info Announced

The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament schedule is set, with the Final Four and championship game in Phoenix.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament bracket will be unveiled on Selection Sunday, March 15, with the first games tipping off on March 18. The Final Four and national championship game will take place on April 3 and 5 in Phoenix, Arizona. The article provides a full schedule of the tournament, including conference tournament dates, as well as details on past champions.

Why it matters

The women's NCAA Tournament is one of the most anticipated events in college basketball, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the best teams and players compete for the national title. The tournament generates significant interest and media coverage, and the results can have a major impact on the sport's popularity and future.

The details

The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament will begin with the First Four on March 18-19, followed by the first round on March 20-21 and the second round on March 22-23. The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight will take place March 27-30 in Fort Worth and Sacramento. The Final Four and national championship game will be held on April 3 and 5 in Phoenix, Arizona. The article also includes the dates and locations for the various conference tournaments leading up to the NCAA Tournament.

  • The 2026 women's NCAA Tournament bracket will be unveiled on Selection Sunday, March 15.
  • The First Four games will be played on March 18-19.
  • The first round of the tournament will take place on March 20-21.
  • The second round is scheduled for March 22-23.
  • The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight will be held on March 27-30 in Fort Worth and Sacramento.

The players

Paige Bueckers

The star player who led the UConn Huskies to the 2025 national championship.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who has won a record 12 national championships.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The team that lost to UConn in the 2025 national championship game.

UCLA Bruins

A team that lost in the 2025 Final Four and will be looking to make another deep tournament run.

Texas Longhorns

Another team that lost in the 2025 Final Four and will be aiming to win the national title in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament promises to be an exciting event, with powerhouse programs like UConn, South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas all vying for the national championship. Fans will be eager to see if UConn can repeat as champions or if another team can dethrone the Huskies and claim the title.