UNLV women's basketball to open 2026-27 season against star-studded USC

The Lady Rebels will host the Trojans, led by star guard JuJu Watkins, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The UNLV women's basketball team will open the 2026-27 season by hosting the USC Trojans, led by star guard JuJu Watkins, in the Hall of Fame Women's Showcase at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on November 2. The matchup will be a national television event across TNT Sports' networks and platforms.

Why it matters

This high-profile season opener will put UNLV's women's basketball program in the national spotlight, as they take on a powerhouse USC team led by one of the top players in the country in Watkins. It's an opportunity for the Lady Rebels to make a statement and build momentum heading into the rest of their season.

The details

UNLV, currently ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West, will be led by sophomore forward Meadow Roland and a group of upperclassmen transfers. USC, a Big Ten powerhouse, will feature Watkins, who is returning from a torn ACL that sidelined her for the 2025-26 season, and freshman standout Jazzy Davidson.

  • The UNLV women's basketball team will open the 2026-27 season on November 2, 2026.
  • JuJu Watkins, the star USC guard, tore her ACL in March 2025 and missed the entire 2025-26 season.

The players

JuJu Watkins

A star guard for the USC Trojans women's basketball team who won multiple player of the year awards in her sensational sophomore season before suffering a torn ACL in March 2025.

Jazzy Davidson

A freshman guard who has emerged as a star for the USC Trojans, helping to sustain the team in Watkins' absence during the 2025-26 season.

Meadow Roland

A sophomore forward who leads the UNLV Lady Rebels women's basketball team, which is currently ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West.

Lindy La Rocque

The head coach of the UNLV Lady Rebels women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to continue to put our program on the national stage by playing in this incredible event against an amazing program in USC. Tipping off the 2026-27 season at T-Mobile Arena will be a great experience for our team and fans!”

— Lindy La Rocque, UNLV women's basketball head coach (UNLV press release)

What’s next

Additional broadcast and tournament details for the Hall of Fame Women's Showcase will be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

This high-profile season opener against a star-studded USC team led by JuJu Watkins will be a major opportunity for the UNLV women's basketball program to showcase their talent and build momentum heading into the rest of the 2026-27 season.