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Women's March Madness First Four Matchups and Schedule Announced
The play-in games will determine the final two teams in the 64-team NCAA Tournament bracket.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:23am
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The matchups and schedule for the Women's NCAA Tournament First Four have been announced. The First Four games will take place on March 18 and 19, with four teams competing in two play-in games each day to determine the final two teams that will advance to the 64-team tournament bracket. The teams competing in the First Four are Nebraska vs. Richmond, Stephen F. Austin vs. Missouri State, Virginia vs. Arizona State, and Samford vs. Southern.
Why it matters
The First Four is an important part of the Women's NCAA Tournament, as it gives lower-seeded teams a chance to earn a spot in the main 64-team bracket. These play-in games generate excitement and drama as teams fight for the final tournament spots.
The details
The First Four games will take place on March 18 and 19. On March 18, Nebraska will face Richmond, and Stephen F. Austin will take on Missouri State. The following day, Virginia will play Arizona State, and Samford will compete against Southern. The winners of these four games will advance to the first round of the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament, which begins on March 20.
- The First Four games will be played on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19, 2026.
- The first round of the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament will begin on Friday, March 20.
The players
Nebraska
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Richmond
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Stephen F. Austin
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Missouri State
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Virginia
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Arizona State
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Samford
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Southern
A Division I women's basketball team that is competing in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
What they’re saying
“The First Four is an exciting part of the tournament, as it gives teams a chance to fight for the final spots in the bracket. It's always a thrill to see which teams will earn their way in.”
— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball (ESPN)
“These play-in games are a great opportunity for lower-seeded teams to prove they belong in the tournament. It's going to be must-see TV as these teams battle it out for a spot in the big dance.”
— Candace Parker, WNBA Player and Analyst (CBS Sports)
What’s next
The winners of the First Four games will advance to the first round of the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament, which begins on March 20.
The takeaway
The First Four of the Women's NCAA Tournament is an exciting start to the tournament, as it determines the final two teams that will compete in the 64-team bracket. These play-in games generate drama and give lower-seeded teams a chance to prove they belong in the Big Dance.
