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The 2026/27 NCAA women’s college basketball season is set to launch on November 1st with a dynamic schedule featuring top-ranked programs like South Carolina and UConn. This season promises a global showcase, as several games will take place in iconic international cities including Rome and Paris, alongside traditional venues in Boston and Las Vegas.
Leading the season opener, star guard Hannah Hidalgo will spearhead No. 13 Notre Dame in a highly anticipated matchup against Villanova. This event, known as The Eternal City Tip-Off, takes place at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome, Italy, where men’s and women’s teams from both schools will compete in a doubleheader. The itinerary also includes a private mass and an audience with the Pope at the Vatican, blending sports with cultural and spiritual experiences.
South Carolina and UConn Set to Command the Early Season
Following the international tip-off, the spotlight shifts to Paris on November 2nd, where Dawn Staley and the No. 1 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks will headline a doubleheader against No. 20 Maryland. This event marks the fourth consecutive year Paris has hosted a women’s basketball showcase, underlining the sport’s growing international appeal.
Later in November, the Gamecocks will return home to face the USC Trojans, led by JuJu Watkins. Watkins, who missed the entire 2025/26 season due to an ACL tear, has shown strong form during USC’s preseason exhibitions, signaling a promising comeback. This matchup is expected to draw significant attention as Watkins aims to reestablish herself among the nation’s elite players.
Throughout the season, fans can anticipate thrilling contests between powerhouse programs, blending international venues with traditional college basketball atmospheres. With such a rich lineup of games scheduled early on, the 2026/27 NCAA women’s basketball campaign is poised for an exciting and competitive start.
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