Full Breakdown
NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Hosts Revealed for 2026
3/15/2026, 7:25:36 AM
Top 16 Teams Announced
The NCAA has announced the top 16 teams that will host the first two rounds of the 2026 Women's Basketball Tournament. This selection marks a significant moment for several programs, including North Carolina and West Virginia, which were not included in previous projections. The full list of host teams, revealed in alphabetical order, includes Duke, Iowa, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oklahoma, South Carolina, TCU, Texas, UCLA, UConn, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia.
Key Highlights of the Selection
UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina are expected to secure the No. 1 seeds, with UConn remaining the only undefeated team in Division I women's basketball at 34-0. North Carolina's inclusion follows a strong finish to the regular season, winning 12 of their last 13 games, while West Virginia clinched their spot by winning the Big 12 Conference Tournament, marking their first hosting opportunity since 1992.
Background on Hosting Teams
Duke, which recently won its second consecutive ACC title, will host for the eighth time. Louisville, coming off a runner-up finish in the ACC Tournament, will host for the first time since the 2021-22 season. North Carolina will host for the second consecutive year, continuing its strong tradition in the NCAA Tournament with its 33rd appearance. West Virginia, with a record of 27-6, will also host, having last done so in 1992.
Tournament Schedule
The first and second rounds of the tournament are scheduled for March 20-23, 2026. The NCAA will unveil the complete 68-team bracket during the Selection Sunday show on March 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The women's Final Four will take place at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, with semifinal games on April 3 and the national championship game on April 5.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been largely positive, some teams, such as Kentucky, expressed disappointment at not being included among the top 16 hosts. Kentucky, which had a strong showing in the SEC Tournament, will likely have to compete on the road in the opening rounds.
Official Statements & Responses
The NCAA's decision to announce the host teams ahead of the full bracket has been met with enthusiasm from the selected schools. Louisville's athletic department highlighted the significance of hosting, stating, "This is a great opportunity for our program and our fans." Similarly, West Virginia expressed pride in being selected, noting the historical context of their hosting.
What's Next
As the tournament approaches, teams will prepare for their matchups, with the exact seeding and opponents to be revealed during the Selection Sunday broadcast. The excitement surrounding the tournament is building, with fans eager to see how their teams will perform in the upcoming games.
