Women’s NCAA Tournament 2025: Everything to Know

For the fourth consecutive year, 68 teams will compete for the national championship, with NCAA Tournament tipping off on March 16 with Selection Sunday. 

Dates and Location

The NCAA Tournament will begin with First Four games on March 19-20. The first and second rounds will follow on March 21-24, hosted by the Top 16 teams. The competition then moves to two regional sites for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, held in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, on March 28-31. Finally, the road to the championship will conclude in Tampa, Florida, where the Final Four will be held on April 4, with the title game set for April 6.

The tournament field is stacked with talented teams, but six programs stand out as serious contenders for the title.

UConn Huskies

UConn’s dynasty has taken a backseat to South Carolina in recent years, but the Huskies remain a powerhouse. With redshirt senior guard Paige Bueckers healthy and leading the way, No. 3 UConn has the talent to reclaim its spot at the top.

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South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina remains a dominant force under head coach Dawn Staley. Despite suffering losses to Texas and UConn this season, the No. 2 Gamecocks rebounded with a strong finish, showcasing their defensive prowess and depth.

USC Trojans

Sophomore guard JuJu Watkins has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in the country, averaging nearly 25 points per game. No. 4 USC dominated the Big Ten regular season and has the star power to make a deep tournament run. 

UCLA Bruins

The top-ranked Bruins haven’t reached a Final Four in the NCAA era. This could be their breakthrough year, led by dominant junior center Lauren Betts, who averages nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Despite recent struggles, the No. 8 Irish remain a formidable opponent. Guards Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron provide elite playmaking and scoring ability.

Texas Longhorns

No. 5 Texas impressed in its first season in the SEC, tying for the regular-season title with South Carolina. The Longhorns boast one of the best defenses in the nation.