Full Breakdown
2026 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament Overview
3/6/2026, 8:43:33 AM
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The 2026 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament is set to take place from March 4 to March 8, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year's tournament features 15 teams, with the top 15 in the conference standings earning berths. Notably, Penn State, Northwestern, and Rutgers did not qualify for the tournament. The championship game will be broadcast on CBS, while the earlier rounds will be available on the Big Ten Network and streaming platforms like DIRECTV, Peacock, and Paramount+.
Tournament Bracket and Seedings
The tournament bracket has been finalized, with the following seedings based on regular-season performance:
1. UCLA (28-1, 18-0)
2. Iowa (24-5, 15-3)
3. Michigan (24-5, 15-3)
4. Minnesota (22-7, 13-5)
5. Ohio State (24-6, 13-5)
6. Maryland (23-7, 11-7)
7. Michigan State (22-7, 11-7)
8. Washington (20-9, 10-8)
9. USC (17-12, 9-9)
10. Illinois (19-10, 9-9)
11. Oregon (20-11, 8-10)
12. Nebraska (18-11, 7-11)
13. Indiana (17-13, 6-12)
14. Purdue (13-16, 5-13)
15. Wisconsin (13-16, 5-13)
The opening round saw Indiana defeating Nebraska 72-69 and Illinois overcoming Wisconsin 82-70. The second round will feature Ohio State against Indiana, following the first second-round matchup between Washington and USC.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans can catch all tournament games on the Big Ten Network, with the championship game available on CBS. The opening round will be streamed exclusively on Peacock, while the quarterfinals and semifinals will also be aired on the Big Ten Network. For those without cable, streaming options include the Fox Sports App and Paramount+.
Upcoming Matches
The quarterfinals will commence on March 6, featuring the top four seeds, including UCLA, which is favored to win the tournament and secure a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The schedule for the quarterfinals is as follows:
- No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 8 Washington at noon
- No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 5 Ohio State 25 minutes after the previous game
- No. 2 Iowa vs. No. 10 Illinois at 6:30 p.m.
- No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 11 Oregon 25 minutes after the previous game
Conclusion
The 2026 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament promises to be an exciting event, showcasing top talent and competitive matchups as teams vie for a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament. With a strong field and a well-structured schedule, fans can look forward to a thrilling week of basketball in Indianapolis.
