UConn and Notre Dame Meet for First Time in Women's Final Four

The two powerhouse programs have faced off 8 times previously in the NCAA Tournament, but never with a Final Four berth on the line.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping and fragmented perspectives of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of color and form representing the intense competition between the two teams.Two of the most dominant women's basketball programs of the past decade, UConn and Notre Dame, clash in a high-stakes Elite Eight showdown with a Final Four berth on the line.Fort Worth Today

The UConn Huskies and Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball teams will meet for the first time in the NCAA Tournament with a spot in the Final Four at stake. The two powerhouse programs have faced off 8 times previously in the Big Dance, but never with a Final Four berth on the line.

Why it matters

UConn and Notre Dame are two of the most dominant women's basketball programs of the past decade, combining for 7 national championships since 2013. Their matchup in the Elite Eight represents a clash of titans and a high-stakes showdown between two of the sport's blue-blood teams.

The details

The Huskies and Fighting Irish have met 8 times previously in the NCAA Tournament, with UConn holding a 6-2 advantage. However, this will be the first time the two teams have squared off with a Final Four berth on the line. Both squads are led by Hall of Fame coaches in Geno Auriemma (UConn) and Niele Ivey (Notre Dame), and feature rosters stacked with WNBA-caliber talent.

  • The Elite Eight matchup will take place on March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The players

Geno Auriemma

Hall of Fame head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, with 11 national championships to his name.

Niele Ivey

Hall of Fame head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball team, in her 6th season leading the program.

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What they’re saying

“This is the matchup everyone has been waiting for. Two of the best programs in the country going head-to-head with a trip to the Final Four on the line.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“We've had some epic battles with UConn over the years, but this one feels different. The stakes are higher than ever before.”

— Niele Ivey, Head Coach, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

What’s next

The winner of the UConn-Notre Dame matchup will advance to the 2026 Women's Final Four in Tampa, Florida.

The takeaway

This Elite Eight showdown between UConn and Notre Dame represents the pinnacle of women's college basketball, pitting two legendary programs and Hall of Fame coaches against each other with a trip to the Final Four on the line. Fans are in for an instant classic.