The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions of the competition. With the best college basketball teams vying for glory, it’s a month of high-octane action, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming tournament, including the schedule, key matchups, venues, and historical champions.
Key Dates for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament
The 2025 edition of the NCAA Women’s Tournament will start on March 16, 2025, with the highly anticipated Selection Sunday. Here’s a breakdown of the tournament timeline:
- Selection Sunday: 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 16, 2025 (ESPN)
- First Four: March 19-20, 2025
- First Round (Round of 64): March 21-22, 2025
- Second Round (Round of 32): March 23-24, 2025
- Sweet 16: March 28-29, 2025
- Elite Eight: March 30-31, 2025
- Final Four: Friday, April 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET
- National Championship Game: Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament Bracket Breakdown
As teams look to solidify their positions in the NCAA Women’s Tournament 2025, the bracket has already begun to take shape. From the First Four matchups to the high stakes of the Elite Eight and Final Four, the competition is expected to be fierce. Here’s what fans can expect from the early rounds:
- First Four Matchups:
- March 19-20 will feature exciting play-in games with teams battling to get into the tournament’s main draw.
- March 19-20 will feature exciting play-in games with teams battling to get into the tournament’s main draw.
- First Round (Round of 64):
- March 21-22 will see the top seeds take on the lower-ranked teams in the opening round, setting the stage for the upset-filled madness that characterizes the tournament.
- March 21-22 will see the top seeds take on the lower-ranked teams in the opening round, setting the stage for the upset-filled madness that characterizes the tournament.
- Sweet 16 & Elite Eight:
- By March 28-31, the tournament will narrow down to 16 teams, with the Sweet 16 being a pivotal point where teams prove they have what it takes to reach the Final Four.
Venues for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament
For the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament, the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will be held in the following cities:
- Birmingham, Alabama at Legacy Arena: March 28-31, 2025
- Spokane, Washington at Spokane Arena: March 28-31, 2025
The Final Four and National Championship games will be held in Tampa, Florida at Amalie Arena on April 4 & 6, 2025.
Notable Teams to Watch in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament
While all teams in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament will be hungry for success, a few programs stand out as top contenders. Here’s a look at some of the favorites:
- South Carolina: Under coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball and is poised for another deep run in 2025.
- UConn: With a rich tradition of success, UConn is always a threat, and their high-level play will make them a team to watch.
- LSU: After a remarkable 2023 championship run, LSU will look to continue its momentum and fight for another title.
- Texas: Texas has been on the rise in recent years, and with a stacked roster, they are one of the top favorites for the 2025 tournament.
Key Matchups to Look Forward to in the 2025 Tournament
Each year, the NCAA Women’s Tournament is known for its thrilling upsets, star performances, and high-stakes matchups. Here are some key games that fans should keep their eyes on:
- Opening Day Showdowns: The first round will feature several intriguing matchups between teams eager to make a statement.
- Potential Upset Alerts: With the dynamic nature of the tournament, watch for lower-seeded teams pulling off surprising victories in the early rounds.
- Sweet 16 and Beyond: As the tournament progresses, the level of competition intensifies, and fans can expect edge-of-your-seat moments.
2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament – Future Tournament Sites
The NCAA Women’s Tournament is always looking to bring the best action to different parts of the country. Here are the upcoming sites for the Final Four through 2031:
- 2025: Tampa, Florida at Amalie Arena (April 4 & 6)
- 2026: Phoenix, Arizona at Footprint Center (April 3 & 5)
- 2027: Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Arena (April 2 & 4)
- 2028: Indianapolis, Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (March 31 & April 2)
- 2029: San Antonio, Texas at Alamodome (March 30 & April 1)
- 2030: Portland, Oregon at Moda Center (April 5 & 7)
- 2031: Dallas, Texas at American Airlines Center (April 4 & 6)
Historic Champions of the NCAA Women’s Tournament
The NCAA Women’s Tournament has seen many teams hoist the championship trophy. Here’s a quick look at some of the most recent national champions:
- 2024: South Carolina (38-0) – defeated Iowa (87-75) in Cleveland, Ohio.
- 2023: LSU (34-2) – defeated Iowa (102-85) in Dallas, Texas.
- 2022: South Carolina (36-2) – defeated Connecticut (64-49) in Minneapolis, Minn.
With more historic teams expected to make their mark in 2025, the competition is sure to be fierce.
How to Watch the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament
For basketball fans, the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament is a must-watch event. Here’s how you can tune in to the action:
- Selection Sunday: Live coverage on ESPN, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET.
- Games: The tournament will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and other sports networks, with the Final Four and Championship Game airing on ABC.
Conclusion – The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament promises to be a spectacular event, filled with fierce competition and memorable moments. From the First Four to the National Championship Game in Tampa, Florida, fans will be treated to the best in women’s college basketball. Be sure to mark your calendars for the key dates and get ready for a thrilling tournament!
FAQ’s
What is the starting date for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament?
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament begins on March 16, 2025, with Selection Sunday, where the bracket and matchups are revealed. The games will start shortly after, with the First Four on March 19-20.
Where will the Final Four and Championship Game take place in 2025?
The 2025 Final Four and Championship Game will be held in Tampa, Florida, at Amalie Arena on April 4 & 6. This will be a highly anticipated venue for one of the biggest events in women’s sports.
How are the NCAA Women’s Tournament teams selected?
Teams for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament are selected based on their performance throughout the season, including conference championships and at-large bids. Selection Sunday determines the final bracket.
Which teams are considered favorites for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament?
South Carolina, UConn, LSU, and Texas are among the top teams to watch for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament. These teams have been dominant in previous seasons and are expected to make strong runs.
When and where can I watch the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament?
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament will be broadcast live on ESPN, ABC, and other sports networks. The Final Four and Championship Game will air on ABC, offering fans nationwide coverage.
