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2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament Schedule: Key Dates and Times

ByCoach

The 2025 NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to be an exhilarating event, with a schedule packed full of high-stakes games and thrilling matchups. As always, the tournament will showcase the best of college basketball, culminating in the crowning of a new national champion. This year’s tournament promises to be particularly exciting, with several powerhouse teams and emerging contenders vying for the title. Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, dates, and times for the 2025 March Madness Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Key Dates and Schedule for the 2025 Tournament

The journey to the championship begins with *Selection Sunday* on March 16. The 68-team field will be announced on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET. This marks the official start of the tournament, setting the stage for the intense competition that follows.

First Four and First Round

The action kicks off with the First Four games, scheduled for March 19-20. These initial matchups will determine which teams advance to the first round, which takes place on March 21-22. The first round is always a highlight, featuring a mix of established programs and Cinderella stories looking to make their mark.

Second Round and Sweet 16

The winners from the first round will move on to the Second Round, held on March 23-24. The stakes are higher as teams aim to secure a spot in the Sweet 16, which is scheduled for March 28-29. These games will be held in two regional sites: Birmingham, Alabama, at Legacy Arena, and Spokane, Washington, at Spokane Arena.

Elite Eight and Final Four

The Elite Eight games, also held in Birmingham and Spokane, will take place on March 30-31. These matchups will determine the Final Four teams, who will then head to Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, for the semifinals on April 4. The first semifinal game will start at 7 p.m., with the second game beginning 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first.

Championship Game

The tournament culminates with the NCAA championship game on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC. This final showdown will also be hosted at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, promising an unforgettable conclusion to the 2025 season.

Regional Round Sites

The 2025 women’s tournament features two key regional sites for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds:

  • Birmingham, Alabama – Legacy Arena (March 28-31)
  • Spokane, Washington – Spokane Arena (March 28-31)

These venues will play a crucial role in determining which teams advance to the Final Four, adding an extra layer of excitement to the regional rounds.

Historical Context and Future Sites

Looking back at last season, South Carolina emerged as the 2024 national champion with an undefeated record of 38-0, defeating Iowa 87-75 in the final game. This victory added to South Carolina’s growing legacy in women’s college basketball.

Looking ahead, the future sites for the Final Four are already set, ensuring that fans can plan their trips well in advance:

  • 2026 – Phoenix, Footprint Center
  • 2027 – Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena
  • 2028 – Indianapolis, Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • 2029 – San Antonio, Alamodome
  • 2030 – Portland, OR, Moda Center
  • 2031 – Dallas, American Airlines Center

These future sites promise to bring the excitement of the Final Four to different parts of the country, each with its unique atmosphere and fan base.

Memorable Moments from Past Tournaments

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has a rich history of unforgettable moments and legendary performances. From UConn’s dominance in the early 2000s to Baylor’s thrilling victory in 2019, the tournament has consistently delivered high drama and exceptional basketball.

For instance, in 2023, LSU claimed the national title with a decisive 102-85 win over Iowa, showcasing the offensive firepower and strategic brilliance that define championship teams. In 2022, South Carolina’s defensive prowess was on full display as they held Connecticut to just 49 points in the final game, securing a 64-49 victory.

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to be another chapter in the storied history of March Madness.

With a comprehensive schedule and a lineup of talented teams, fans can look forward to weeks of intense competition and memorable moments.

For more detailed information on the schedule and dates, you can visit the official NCAA website.

Whether you’re a long-time follower of women’s college basketball or a newcomer to the sport, the 2025 tournament is sure to offer something for everyone.

Mark your calendars and get ready for the excitement of March Madness!

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