Women's NCAA Tournament Brackets Revealed

Iowa State, Iowa, and Nebraska earn tournament bids

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:03am

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The 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament bracket has been announced, with Iowa State, Iowa, and Nebraska all earning spots in the field. Iowa State will face Syracuse in the Fort Worth Region, Iowa will host Farleigh Dickinson in the Sacramento Region, and Nebraska will play in the First Four against Richmond with the winner taking on Baylor.

Why it matters

The Women's NCAA Tournament is one of the most anticipated events in college basketball, showcasing the top talent in the women's game. The inclusion of in-state programs like Iowa State, Iowa, and Nebraska adds local interest and excitement for fans in the region.

The details

Iowa State earned the #8 seed in the Fort Worth Region and will play #9 seed Syracuse on Saturday, March 21 at 4:30 pm in Storrs, CT. Iowa received a #2 seed in the Sacramento Region and will host #15 seed Farleigh Dickinson on Saturday, March 21 at 3:00 pm, televised on ESPN. Nebraska will play in the First Four against Richmond on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:00 pm in Durham, NC on ESPN2, with the winner advancing to face #6 seed Baylor on Friday, March 20 in Durham at 1:00 pm on ESPN.

  • The Women's NCAA Tournament bracket was released on March 16, 2026.
  • Iowa State will play Syracuse on March 21, 2026 at 4:30 pm CT.
  • Iowa will host Farleigh Dickinson on March 21, 2026 at 3:00 pm CT.
  • Nebraska will play Richmond in the First Four on March 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm CT.
  • The Nebraska-Richmond winner will face Baylor on March 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm CT.

The players

Iowa State

The Iowa State Cyclones women's basketball team earned an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament as the #8 seed in the Fort Worth Region.

Iowa

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team received a #2 seed in the Sacramento Region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Nebraska

The Nebraska Cornhuskers women's basketball team will play in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, facing Richmond with the winner advancing to play #6 seed Baylor.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to be back in the NCAA Tournament and have the opportunity to make a deep run. Our team has worked hard all season and we're ready for the challenge ahead.”

— Bill Fennelly, Iowa State Head Coach

“Playing at home in the first round is a huge advantage for us. Our fans have been incredible all year and we know they'll bring the energy to help propel us forward.”

— Lisa Bluder, Iowa Head Coach

What’s next

The First Four games will be played on March 18, with the first round beginning on March 21. The championship game is scheduled for April 6 in Tampa, Florida.

The takeaway

The inclusion of in-state programs like Iowa State, Iowa, and Nebraska in the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament bracket adds local excitement and interest for basketball fans throughout the region. These teams will look to make deep tournament runs and compete for a national championship.