The energy surrounding women's college hoops right now is basically a fever dream for anyone who’s been following the sport for decades. We aren't just talking about a "moment" anymore; we’re in a whole new era. If you’re already trying to figure out your travel plans for next spring, you've probably realized that snagging a seat—or even just a hotel room—is becoming a competitive sport in itself. The ncaa womens final four schedule for 2026 is officially etched in stone, and for the first time ever, the road leads to the desert.
Phoenix is the spot. Specifically, the Footprint Center (or Mortgage Matchup Center as it's often branded for these events). If you've never been to a Final Four, honestly, the atmosphere is hard to describe. It's less like a standard basketball game and more like a week-long festival where the stakes just happen to be "national immortality." Arizona State is playing host, and they are already rolling out the red carpet for April 2026.
The 2026 NCAA Womens Final Four Schedule: Key Dates to Circle
You need to know two dates. That's it. Everything else is just noise. The national semifinals are happening on Friday, April 3, 2026, and the national championship game will follow on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Typically, the Friday games are a double-header. You get two games for the price of one ticket, which is a killer deal considering you're watching the four best teams in the country. The winners get Saturday to breathe (and for us fans to recover), and then Sunday is the big dance.
Here is how the timeline looks for the whole tournament run:
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- Selection Sunday: March 15, 2026. This is when the bracket drops and everyone’s productivity at work hits zero.
- First Four: March 18-19.
- First & Second Rounds: March 20-23.
- Sweet 16 & Elite 8 (Regionals): March 27-30. These are going down in Fort Worth, Texas (Dickies Arena) and Sacramento, California (Golden 1 Center).
- The Final Four: April 3 and 5 in Phoenix.
It’s a quick turnaround. Teams play their Elite Eight game on a Monday and then have to be in Phoenix for media and practice by Wednesday. It's a grind.
Why Phoenix is a Massive Deal for 2026
Bringing the Final Four to the Valley of the Sun isn't just a random choice. Phoenix has basically become the championship capital of the US lately. They’ve hosted the Men's Final Four multiple times, but this is the first time the women's side is taking over the city.
The games will be at the Footprint Center, right in the heart of downtown. It’s a bit of a different vibe than the massive football stadiums the men usually play in, which is actually a win for fans. Why? Sightlines. In a basketball arena, there isn't a bad seat in the house. You aren't watching the game through binoculars from the 700-level of a dome. You’re right on top of the action.
The Phoenix Local Organizing Committee (PLOC) has already unveiled a logo that’s very "Southwest"—lots of turquoise, desert sun motifs, and Native American-inspired patterns. It feels local. It feels authentic.
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TV Times and How to Watch
If you can’t make it to Arizona, you’re still covered. ESPN is doing their "MegaCast" again. This basically means they blast the games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. They usually have different "rooms" or feeds—sometimes a "Bird & Taurasi" show vibe, sometimes a high-tech stat-heavy feed.
The championship game on Sunday is almost certainly going to be on ABC. It’s the gold standard for reach. Expect tip-off for the semifinals to be around 7:00 PM ET and 9:30 PM ET on Friday, with the final usually starting around 8:00 PM ET on Sunday. Don't hold me to the exact minute, though—TV networks love a good pre-game show that runs five minutes long.
Getting Tickets Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s talk money. It isn’t cheap. If you’re looking at official packages through "On Location" (the NCAA’s partner), some of those VIP experiences are starting north of $1,800. Yeah, you read that right.
But you don't have to go the VIP route. The NCAA usually runs a ticket lottery or a general sale later in the year. If you wait for the secondary market (StubHub, SeatGeek), prices will fluctuate wildly based on who makes it. If a powerhouse with a massive traveling fan base makes the cut, expect prices to skyrocket. My advice? If you know you’re going regardless of who is playing, buy early. If you’re only going if your team makes it, you’re playing a risky game of financial chicken.
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Pro-Tips for the Phoenix Trip
- The Heat: It’s April. It won’t be 110 degrees yet, but it’ll be "dry heat" sunny. Pack sunscreen.
- Transportation: Downtown Phoenix is actually pretty walkable, and the light rail is decent. Don't feel like you absolutely need a rental car if you stay near the arena.
- Open Practices: On Thursday, April 2, the teams usually hold open practices that are free to the public. It’s the best way to see the players up close without paying a dime.
Beyond the Schedule: The "Two-Site" Regional Format
The NCAA is sticking with the two-site regional format for 2026. Instead of four different cities for the Sweet 16, everything is consolidated into Fort Worth and Sacramento.
This is kind of a polarizing move. Some fans hate it because it means fewer cities get to host. But for the NCAA, it makes sense. It creates a "mini-Final Four" atmosphere a week early. If you're in the West, you're heading to Cali. If you're in the South/Midwest, you're looking at Texas. It's essentially two massive hubs of basketball before the winners fly to Phoenix.
What to Do Now
If you are serious about following the ncaa womens final four schedule, your first move is to book your lodging. Phoenix hotels fill up fast when these events roll into town.
- Sign up for NCAA ticket alerts: Go to the official NCAA site and get on their email list. They’ll blast out the dates for the general public sale.
- Check the regional schedules: If you can't make it to Phoenix, the Sacramento and Fort Worth games (March 27-30) are incredible alternatives.
- Monitor the rankings: Keep an eye on the AP Top 25. By January and February, you'll start to see which four teams are realistically going to be the ones dancing in the desert.
There is nothing quite like the energy of the women’s tournament lately. The talent is at an all-time high, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be a total gauntlet. See you in Phoenix.
Next Steps for Your Trip Planning:
Check the official NCAA Ticket Exchange periodically to see when the 2026 pre-sale begins. If you’re planning to fly into Sky Harbor International Airport, look for flights arriving no later than Thursday morning, April 2, to ensure you don’t miss the fan fests and open practices that kick off the weekend festivities.