Texas Longhorns Reach Final Four, Sparking Fan Frenzy and Spotlighting Women's Sports

Local Austin business 1972 Pub champions women's athletics as Longhorns prepare for high-stakes semifinal matchup.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:08am

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An abstract, neon-hued expressionist painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a women's basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant, gestural brushstrokes.The electric atmosphere surrounding the Texas Longhorns' Final Four run reflects the growing excitement and support for women's sports across the nation.Austin Today

The University of Texas women's basketball team has advanced to the Final Four, igniting excitement across Central Texas as the Longhorns prepare to face UCLA. In Austin, local business 1972 Pub has made a deliberate effort to showcase women's sports, hosting watch parties and displaying memorabilia honoring female athletes. The pub's co-owner, Deborah Hallam, believes this year's Texas team stands out for its senior leadership and the broader movement to increase visibility for women's athletics.

Why it matters

The Longhorns' Final Four appearance highlights the growing popularity and importance of women's sports, which still receive a fraction of overall media coverage. Businesses like 1972 Pub are working to change that by providing dedicated spaces to celebrate female athletes and their accomplishments.

The details

The Texas Longhorns will face the UCLA Bruins in the Final Four on Friday night in Phoenix, with the winner advancing to the national championship game. Throughout the season, 1972 Pub has hosted watch parties for Texas games, drawing consistent crowds. The pub's co-owner, Deborah Hallam, says the Final Four represents 'the pinnacle' of fan support, as the Longhorns seek their first national title since 1986.

  • The Texas Longhorns are making their second consecutive Final Four appearance.
  • The Final Four matchup between Texas and UCLA is a rematch, as the Longhorns are the only team to have defeated the Bruins this season.
  • Tipoff for the Texas-UCLA game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Texas Longhorns

The University of Texas women's basketball team, which has advanced to the Final Four for the second consecutive year.

UCLA Bruins

The UCLA women's basketball team, which will face the Texas Longhorns in the Final Four.

Deborah Hallam

The co-owner of 1972 Pub, a sports bar in Austin that has made a deliberate effort to showcase women's sports.

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What they’re saying

“We are very excited to be back at the Final Four and to see the athletes accomplish what they've accomplished. They are amazing, and they deserve to be there.”

— Deborah Hallam, Co-owner, 1972 Pub

“There are some special things going on this year for the team. They've got some seniors — this could be their last rodeo — and they want to win it all, the Final Four and the championship.”

— Deborah Hallam, Co-owner, 1972 Pub

“Sports bring people together and build community. But we still have a ways to go for equality. These athletes work just as hard and should be just as celebrated.”

— Deborah Hallam, Co-owner, 1972 Pub

What’s next

A win on Friday would send the Texas Longhorns to the national championship game on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Texas Longhorns' Final Four appearance is more than just a game - it represents the growing popularity and importance of women's sports, and the ongoing effort to increase visibility and support for female athletes. Businesses like 1972 Pub are playing a key role in championing this movement and providing dedicated spaces to celebrate women's athletic achievements.