Top Seeds UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina Reach Final Four Again

Second straight year the same four teams have advanced to women's basketball's biggest stage

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:12am

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For the second consecutive season, the No. 1 seeds of UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina have all advanced to the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four. This marks just the second time in history that the same four teams have reached the sport's final weekend in back-to-back years.

Why it matters

The repeat Final Four appearance by these powerhouse programs underscores the continued dominance of the top women's basketball teams and the difficulty for other squads to break into the elite tier of the sport. It also highlights the parity and consistency at the highest level of the women's game.

The details

Texas secured its spot in the Final Four with a win over Michigan, led by 19 points and 7 rebounds from sophomore guard Madison Booker. The other three teams - UConn, UCLA, and South Carolina - also won their regional final matchups to punch their tickets to the national semifinals.

  • The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four will take place on April 4-6.

The players

UConn

The University of Connecticut women's basketball team, a perennial powerhouse that has won a record 11 national championships.

UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles women's basketball team, making its second straight Final Four appearance.

Texas

The University of Texas women's basketball team, returning to the Final Four after winning its regional final matchup.

South Carolina

The University of South Carolina women's basketball team, the defending national champions making their second consecutive Final Four.

Madison Booker

A sophomore guard for the Texas Longhorns who led her team to the Final Four with 19 points and 7 rebounds in the regional final.

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What they’re saying

“Reaching the Final Four never gets old. Our team has worked so hard to get back to this point, and we're excited for the opportunity to compete for another national championship.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

What’s next

The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four will take place on April 4-6 in San Antonio, Texas. The winners of the national semifinal matchups will advance to the championship game on April 6.

The takeaway

The continued dominance of the top women's basketball programs, led by perennial powers UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina, underscores the incredible parity and consistency at the highest levels of the sport. Fans can look forward to another thrilling Final Four as these elite teams battle it out for the national title.