The 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket has been officially released, featuring a total of 68 teams competing for the national championship. This year’s tournament will showcase first-time participant Charleston and the storied program Tennessee, which has played in every women’s NCAA tournament since its inception in 1982.
Key matchups will pave the way to the championship in Phoenix on April 5. Notably, the undefeated UConn Huskies, defending champions with a perfect record of 34-0, are on a remarkable 50-game winning streak. They aim for their seventh perfect season and 13th national championship title.
As the bracket was revealed on March 5, 2026, anticipation builds as teams prepare for the First Four games on March 8 and 9. The tournament officially kicks off with the first round on March 10, broadcast across ESPN networks.
Top Seeds and Key Players
The bracket features some of the most powerful teams in women’s college basketball. The UConn Huskies stand out as the number one seed. After a seven-season drought, they clinched their 12th national championship last year. Despite losing the 2025 WNBA No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers, UConn’s depth remains formidable. Sophomore forward Sarah Strong leads the team with an impressive average of 18.5 points, along with 7.6 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game.
The UCLA Bruins, also a number one seed, have had a historic season, finishing with a record of 31-1. They swept the regular-season and conference tournament titles for the first time and secured a significant victory over Iowa, winning the Big Ten final by 51 points. Senior center Lauren Betts is a key player, averaging 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Other notable teams include the Texas Longhorns, who upset the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks in the SEC tournament final. The Longhorns are led by junior forward Madison Booker, averaging 18.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
The South Carolina Gamecocks, despite losing four starters, have maintained a strong performance. They continue to be a formidable contender with a record of 31-3 and are led by sophomore forward Joyce Edwards, averaging 19.6 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Bracket Overview and Tournament Outlook
The 68-team field is segmented into four regions, each with its own top seeds. UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina each hold the number one seed in their respective brackets. As teams gear up for their opening matches, fans are eager to see how the bracket unfolds.
The tournament format includes the First Four, where the last four at-large teams and the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers compete for the final spots in the main bracket. This preliminary round is set to generate excitement and set the tone for what promises to be an intense tournament.
With the competition heating up, teams are preparing to navigate a challenging path to the championship. The women’s NCAA tournament remains a platform for showcasing talent and determination, with every game having the potential to be a defining moment for the teams involved. As the tournament approaches, the quest for glory is set to captivate basketball enthusiasts across the globe.
