Your Ultimate Guide to March Madness 2025: Women’s NCAA Tournament Schedule, Dates, and Times

The 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament is set, and fans are eager to fill out their brackets. Here’s a glance at the tournament schedule and what to expect.

Key Dates

Mark your calendars for these important dates:

• Selection Sunday: March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
• First Four: March 19-20
• First Round: March 21-22
• Second Round: March 23-24
• Sweet 16: March 28-29
• Elite Eight: March 30-31
• Final Four: April 4 (7 p.m. ET) at Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
• Championship Game: April 6 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, also at Amalie Arena

This year, the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matches will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, with games held between March 28-31.

Tournament Stats and History

Women’s basketball has evolved significantly over the years. In 2021, the NCAA began working on more equitable resources for women’s sports, recognizing the disparity in funding and exposure compared to men’s sports. As of 2023, a report indicated that the viewership for women’s NCAA basketball games was growing, with numbers increasing by 16% over the previous year. This trend shows a solid commitment from fans and sponsors alike, resonating with the powerhouse performances of teams like South Carolina and UConn.

Quick Facts on Champions

Historically, teams like Connecticut and Tennessee have dominated the scene. UConn’s head coach, Geno Auriemma, has led the team to 11 national titles. In contrast, South Carolina, under Dawn Staley, has made significant strides, winning their first championship in 2017 and following up with another victory in 2022.

Here’s a quick look at recent champions:

• 2024: South Carolina (38-0) – Coach: Dawn Staley
• 2023: LSU (34-2) – Coach: Kim Mulkey
• 2022: South Carolina (36-2) – Coach: Dawn Staley

The growing popularity of the tournament can also be seen online, where highlights and games are trending topics on social media platforms. Fans engage actively, sharing predictions and celebrating remarkable plays.

Upcoming Events

As we look forward to 2026 and 2027, the tournament locations will be Phoenix, Arizona, and Columbus, Ohio, respectively. This shift indicates the NCAA’s effort to expand accessibility across various regions, ensuring fans can engage with the tournament live.

As the tournament approaches, excitement builds, and fans are ready to support their teams and find out who will emerge as the next champion. Whether at home or at the arena, the spirit of the game unites us all.

For more updates and to check the bracket, visit the NCAA’s official site here.

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