2025 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Schedule and Printable Bracket

The 2025 NCAA women’s basketball tournament brackets have been revealed, and the excitement is palpable. This year’s tournament promises thrilling matchups and intense competition as 68 teams vie for the national championship.

With UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and Southern California securing the top seeds, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament.

Kentucky, a No. 4 seed, will face Liberty University in the first round, while other notable teams like Louisville and Murray State also prepare for their opening games.

Let’s dive into the details of the tournament, focusing on key teams, matchups, and what fans can expect in the coming weeks.

Top Seeds and Regional Overview

The NCAA has announced the top seeds for the 2025 women’s basketball tournament, with UCLA earning the overall No. 1 seed.

The Bruins, who finished second in the Big Ten regular season before winning the conference tournament, are the top seed in the Spokane Regional 1.

South Carolina, the defending national champion from the Southeastern Conference, secured the No. 1 seed in the Birmingham Regional 2.

Meanwhile, Texas, a new addition to the SEC, is the No. 1 seed in Birmingham Regional 3, while Southern California clinched the top spot in Spokane Regional 4.

UCLA’s Dominance

UCLA’s impressive season, marked by a 30-2 record and a Big Ten Conference Tournament championship, has positioned them as a formidable contender.

The Bruins’ journey to the top seed involved overcoming Southern California in the conference tournament finals, showcasing their resilience and skill.

Fans can expect UCLA to bring their A-game as they aim to extend their dominance into the national tournament.

South Carolina’s Title Defense

South Carolina, the reigning champions, are determined to defend their title. As the No. 1 seed in the Birmingham Regional 2, the Gamecocks have a target on their back.

Their experience and championship pedigree make them a team to watch, and their path to the Final Four will undoubtedly be filled with challenging matchups.

Key Matchups and Teams to Watch

The first round of the tournament features several intriguing matchups, including Kentucky’s game against Liberty University.

As a No. 4 seed in the Spokane Regional 4, Kentucky (22-7) will face Liberty (26-6) at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington.

This game is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to advance to the next round.

Kentucky vs. Liberty

Kentucky’s solid season has earned them a No. 4 seed, and their opening game against Liberty is crucial.

The Wildcats’ performance will be pivotal in setting the tone for their tournament run. With a strong roster and home-court advantage, Kentucky is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.

Louisville’s Challenge

Louisville, awarded a No. 7 seed in the Birmingham Regional 3, will face No. 10-seed Nebraska in their first game.

This matchup is set for Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN. Louisville’s season has been marked by ups and downs, but their resilience and determination will be key factors as they aim to advance past the first round.

Conference Representation and Tournament Structure

This year’s tournament features strong representation from various conferences.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has ten teams in the tournament, including Alabama, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Vanderbilt.

The Big Ten leads with twelve teams, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of these conferences.

SEC Teams to Watch

The SEC’s representation in the tournament highlights the conference’s strength in women’s basketball.

Teams like South Carolina, Texas, and Kentucky are expected to make significant impacts. Each team brings unique strengths and strategies, making the SEC a conference to watch throughout the tournament.

Big Ten’s Dominance

The Big Ten’s twelve teams in the tournament underscore the conference’s dominance this season.

With UCLA leading the charge as the overall No. 1 seed, the Big Ten’s depth is evident. Fans can anticipate intense competition as these teams vie for supremacy and aim to bring the championship home.

Tournament Schedule and Key Dates

The 2025 NCAA women’s basketball tournament kicks off with the First Four games on Wednesday and Thursday.

The semifinals and finals in each region will be played from March 28-31 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham and Spokane Arena in Spokane.

This year, eight teams will compete at each site, a change from the previous format of four teams at four regional sites.

First Four Games

The First Four games mark the beginning of the tournament, setting the stage for the intense matchups to follow.

These initial games are crucial for teams looking to gain momentum and secure their spot in the main bracket. Fans can tune in to ESPN to catch all the action and see which teams advance.

Regional Finals and Women’s Final Four

The regional finals, scheduled for March 28-31, will determine which teams advance to the Women’s Final Four.

This year’s Final Four will be held on April 4 and 6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The culmination of the tournament promises high-stakes games and unforgettable moments as the top teams compete for the national championship.

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAA women’s basketball tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive event.

With top seeds like UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and Southern California leading the way, fans can expect thrilling games and standout performances.

Kentucky’s matchup against Liberty, along with other key games, will set the stage for an unforgettable tournament.

As the tournament progresses, the journey to the Women’s Final Four in Tampa will be filled with drama, excitement, and the pursuit of championship glory.

For more detailed coverage and updates, visit Kentucky.com.