Get Ready for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament

The excitement is building as we approach the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament! Mark your calendars because Selection Sunday is on March 16th, where we’ll find out who’s in and where they’re seeded. This is where the journey to the championship begins, filled with nail-biting games, stunning upsets, and unforgettable moments.

The tournament officially kicks off with the First Four games on March 19-20. These games are crucial, as teams battle it out for a chance to advance to the main bracket. Following that, the first and second rounds will be held on March 21-24, setting the stage for the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight matchups. Expect high-intensity games and plenty of surprises as teams fight to keep their championship dreams alive.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes get higher. The Sweet Sixteen games on March 28-29 will showcase the top teams in the nation, while the Elite Eight on March 30-31 will determine who advances to the coveted Final Four. These are the games where legends are made and Cinderella stories unfold. Don’t miss a single moment of the action!

This year, the Final Four will be held on Friday, April 4th, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The first semifinal game tips off at 7 p.m. ET, with the second game following 30 minutes after the first one ends. The atmosphere in Tampa will be electric, as fans from across the country gather to support their teams. And of course, the NCAA Championship Game will also be hosted at Amalie Arena on Sunday, April 6th, at 3 p.m. ET. It’s all happening in Tampa, promising an unforgettable culmination to an already thrilling season.

So, are you ready for some basketball? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is sure to deliver excitement, drama, and memories that will last a lifetime. Get your brackets ready, and let the games begin!

Key Dates to Remember

To make sure you don’t miss any of the action, here’s a breakdown of the key dates for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament:

• Selection Sunday: 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: Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. ET (Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida)
• NCAA Championship Game: Sunday, April 6 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC (Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida)

Keep these dates handy, and make sure to tune in to catch all the thrilling moments as they unfold. The journey to the championship is a rollercoaster of emotions, and you won’t want to miss a single game!

A Look Back: Second Round Highlights

The second round of the tournament is always full of drama and surprises. Let’s take a quick look back at some of the standout games from the past to get a sense of what to expect:

• Duke vs. Oregon: In a hard-fought battle, Duke emerged victorious with a 59-53 win over Oregon.
• Notre Dame vs. Michigan: Notre Dame dominated Michigan with a convincing 76-55 victory.
• Kansas State vs. Kentucky: In an overtime thriller, Kansas State edged out Kentucky with an 80-79 win.
• And many more exciting matchups!

These games exemplify the high level of competition and unpredictable nature of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Every possession counts, and every team is fighting for their chance to advance.

Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight Locations

The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds are set to take place in two exciting locations this year:

• Birmingham, Alabama: Legacy Arena will host games from March 28-31.
• Spokane, Washington: Spokane Arena will also host games from March 28-31.

These venues will be buzzing with energy as fans gather to support their favorite teams. The atmosphere at these games is electric, and the competition is fierce as teams battle for a spot in the Final Four.

Future Final Four Locations

Looking ahead, the NCAA has announced the host cities for the Final Four in the coming years. Here’s a sneak peek at where the championship will be held:

• 2026: Phoenix, Arizona (Footprint Center)
• 2027: Columbus, Ohio (Nationwide Arena)
• 2028: Indianapolis, Indiana (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
• 2029: San Antonio, Texas (Alamodome)
• 2030: Portland, Oregon (Moda Center)
• 2031: Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center)

These cities are all eager to host the pinnacle of women’s college basketball, and each venue promises to provide an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.

Celebrating Past Champions

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has a rich history of incredible teams and unforgettable moments. Let’s take a look back at some of the recent champions and their remarkable achievements. Who could forget South Carolina’s undefeated season in 2024, where they dominated the competition and clinched the title with an 87-75 victory over Iowa? Dawn Staley’s leadership and the team’s unwavering determination made them a force to be reckoned with.

Then there’s LSU’s electrifying performance in 2023, where they showcased their offensive firepower and defeated Iowa 102-85 under the guidance of Kim Mulkey. The game was a showcase of talent, and LSU’s victory was a testament to their hard work and dedication. Or, consider the 2022 championship, where South Carolina once again emerged victorious, defeating Connecticut 64-49. Dawn Staley’s strategic brilliance and the team’s defensive prowess were on full display, securing their place in history.

Of course, we can’t forget Stanford’s nail-biting 54-53 win over Arizona in 2021, a game that went down to the wire and kept fans on the edge of their seats. Tara VanDerveer’s coaching expertise and the team’s resilience were key to their success. And let’s not forget Baylor’s thrilling 82-81 victory over Notre Dame in 2019, a game that showcased the excitement and unpredictability of college basketball. Kim Mulkey’s leadership and the team’s never-say-die attitude led them to the championship.

These are just a few examples of the many memorable moments in NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament history. Each championship team has its own unique story, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. As we look forward to the 2025 tournament, we can only imagine the incredible moments that await us. Get ready to witness history in the making!