The road to the Final Four in Phoenix starts here.
March 18-19
First Four
*Higher seeded team hosts
ESPN Networks
Mar 20-23
1st & 2nd Rounds
**Top 16 seeds hosts
ESPN Networks / ABC
Apr 5
National Championship
NCAA Women’s Championship Special 2:30PM ET on ABC
UCLA vs. South Carolina Phoenix, AZ (Mortgage Matchup Center)
3:30 PM ET on ABC / ESPN+
*The First Four consists of four “play-in” games involving eight teams: the four lowest-seeded conference champions and the four lowest-seeded “at-large” teams. These teams compete for the final 16-seed and 11-seed or 12-seed spots to make the 64-team bracket. Winners advance to the first round just 24–48 hours later.
**1st & 2nd Rounds: The top 16 overall seeds in the tournament earn the right to host these rounds at their home courts, providing a significant “Home Court Advantage” to start the road to the Final Four.
***Regionals: In 2026, the NCAA uses a “Two-Site” format. All Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games take place at either Dickies Arena (Fort Worth) or the Golden 1 Center (Sacramento).
Gear Up for the Madness: Represent your team with Official 2026 March Madness Apparel at Fanatics.
March is when stars are born. Track these draft prospects and rising underclassmen as they take women’s college basketball’s biggest stage.
Catch every Sweet 16 and Elite 8 game in California’s state capital, right in the heart of the city.
The road to the Final Four runs through Texas. Lock in your stay for an unforgettable Regionals weekend.
