The 2026 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament bracket has been officially released and is available in a printable PDF format. Selections were announced on Sunday evening, and fans can now access the full lineup as the tournament prepares to begin with the First Four games.
The tournament kicks off with the First Four on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the First Round over the weekend. The progression continues through the Second Round, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and culminates in the Final Four and championship game, scheduled for early April.
Complete 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule
- Selection Sunday: 8 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 15 (broadcast on ESPN)
- First Four games: Wednesday and Thursday, March 18-19
- First Round (Round of 64): Friday and Saturday, March 20-21
- Second Round: Sunday and Monday, March 22-23
- Sweet 16: Friday and Saturday, March 27-28 (hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, and Sacramento, California)
- Elite Eight: Sunday and Monday, March 29-30 (also in Fort Worth and Sacramento)
- Final Four: Friday, April 3 (takes place in Phoenix, Arizona)
- NCAA Championship Game: Sunday, April 5 (also in Phoenix)
Hosting the Final Four and championship is Arizona State University, using the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix as the venue. This continues the tradition of selecting prominent cities and arenas for the climactic stages of the tournament.
Future Final Four Locations Through 2031
| Year | City | Venue | Dates | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Phoenix, AZ | Mortgage Matchup Center | April 3 & 5 | Arizona State University |
| 2027 | Columbus, OH | Nationwide Arena | April 2 & 4 | Ohio State University, Columbus Sports Commission |
| 2028 | Indianapolis, IN | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | March 31 & April 2 | Horizon League, IUPUI, Indiana Sports Corp |
| 2029 | San Antonio, TX | Alamodome | March 30 & April 1 | University of Incarnate Word, UTSA, San Antonio Sports |
| 2030 | Portland, OR | Moda Center | April 5 & 7 | University of Portland, Sport Oregon |
| 2031 | Dallas, TX | American Airlines Center | April 4 & 6 | Big 12 Conference, Dallas Sports Commission |
This forward planning highlights the tournament’s rotation through key basketball cities, enhancing geographic diversity and accessibility for fans.
The fully interactive bracket is also available online for fans wishing to follow team progressions closely. Printable bracket PDFs help spectators and supporters track games on paper. Both formats allow easy access to schedules, venues, and matchups.
The 2026 tournament’s strong scheduling and venue selections reflect the NCAA’s commitment to growing women’s college basketball. Fans can anticipate exciting matchups beginning with the First Four and progressing toward a dramatic conclusion in Phoenix.
With the bracket and schedule now public, team fans and analysts can begin preparing predictions and bracket challenges. The event promises intense competition across multiple stages, culminating with the crowning of the national champion on April 5.
Keep an eye on official NCAA channels for updates on scores, highlights, and further information throughout the tournament. This comprehensive structure ensures an engaging and smoothly run tournament for players and fans alike.
Read more at: www.ncaa.com
