Women’s NCAA Tournament 2026: Key Dates and Full March Madness Schedule

The excitement is building as the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament draws near. It’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment in women’s college basketball.

This year’s tournament promises a wild showcase of talent, strategy, and pure determination. Fans are already gearing up for the March Madness frenzy.

Let’s dig into the key details—start date, Selection Sunday, and the overall schedule. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss a second of the action.

Key Dates and Schedule for the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament

The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament is set to captivate audiences with thrilling matchups and high-stakes games. Things officially kick off on March 20, 2026, with the first round of games.

That’s when the 68 teams begin their intense journey for the national championship. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Selection Sunday: The Gateway to March Madness

Selection Sunday always brings a buzz of anticipation, and it’s locked in for March 15, 2026. The selection committee will reveal the 68 teams that made the cut.

Everyone tunes in for the live announcement—teams and fans alike wait anxiously to see what fate has in store.

Breaking Down the Tournament Structure

The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament sticks to a familiar but always-thrilling structure. It’s designed to test every team’s mettle.

Here’s a closer look at how things play out:

• First Four: The action starts with the First Four games, where the last eight teams fight for a spot in the main bracket. Only four will move on.
• First and Second Rounds: The remaining 64 teams go head-to-head in the first and second rounds, running from March 20-23, 2026.
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight ramp up the competition, set for March 27-30, 2026.
• Final Four: The Final Four hits on April 4, 2026, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.
• Championship Game: The grand finale lands on April 6, 2026, with the last two teams battling for the title.

Venues and Locations

The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament will play out across several venues, each bringing its own energy. The tournament will wrap up at the iconic American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

This spot has seen its share of major sporting moments, and it’s sure to deliver an electric atmosphere for the final games.

Regional Sites

Regional rounds will take place at these locations:

• Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina
• Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington
• Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina
• Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas

Teams to Watch

With tip-off approaching, a few teams are already turning heads as potential contenders. Some programs just seem to have that winning edge.

• South Carolina Gamecocks: Always a threat, the Gamecocks come in with a loaded roster and a track record of success.
• UConn Huskies: The Huskies’ dominance in women’s hoops is legendary. You just can’t count them out.
• Stanford Cardinal: Stanford’s mix of experience and youthful energy could shake things up this year.
• Louisville Cardinals: Their aggressive style and smart tactics make them a team to keep an eye on.

How to Follow the Tournament

Fans can catch all the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament action on multiple platforms. Major networks like ESPN and ABC will air the games live.

Streaming services will also have you covered, perfect for watching on the go or sneaking a peek at work—hey, we won’t tell.

Engage on Social Media

Social media will be buzzing with tournament updates, highlights, and fan chatter. Follow the official NCAA Women’s Basketball accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Jump into the conversation and share your reactions with the hashtag #WomensMarchMadness. It’s going to be a wild ride.

Conclusion

The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be something special. It’s got the best of women’s college basketball, and honestly, that’s not something you want to miss.

Selection Sunday always brings a jolt of excitement. Then, as the games start, the energy just keeps building.