When does women's March Madness start? NCAA Tournament schedule, dates

Meghan L. Hall, USA TODAYWed, February 25, 2026 at 11:06 AM UTC

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In just under a month, the madness of March will officially be underway for the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament.

Tipping off the action will be a double-header of the Women's First Four games on March 18. Following the completion of those games, the 68-team field is reduced to 66 teams. The 64-team bracket will then be finalized on March 19, after the two remaining women's First Four games

Star players such as UConn's Azzi Fudd, UCLA's Lauren Betts and LSU's Flau'jae Johnson won't hit the floor until the first round later in the week.

Here's what you for women's March Madness, including the start date, schedule, times and more:

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When does women's March Madness start? -

First Four: Wednesday, March 18

First round: Friday, March 20

The women's First Four is the technical start of the women's NCAA Tournament, with eight teams participating in the play-in games across two days to determine the final 64-team field.

Once the bracket has been reduced from 68 teams to 64, the first round will begin on Friday, March 20. Tipoff times will be staggered throughout the day.

Women's March Madness schedule

Below are all the dates for the 2026 women's NCAA Tournament:

First Four: Wednesday, March 18 through Thursday, March 19

First Round: Friday, March 20 through Saturday, March 21

Second Round: Sunday, March 22 through Monday, March 23

Sweet 16: Friday, March 27 through Saturday, March 29

Elite Eight: Sunday, March 29 through Monday, March 30

Final Four: Friday, April 3

National championship: Sunday, April 5

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is women's March Madness? Dates, schedule, for NCAA Tournament

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