As March Madness descends upon the women's basketball scene, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. Last year's women's NCAA championship game made history by drawing a larger television audience than the men's title game for the first time, showcasing the growing popularity and appeal of women's basketball.
This season has not disappointed, with a new crop of talented stars emerging to captivate fans. From Paige Bueckers at UConn to JuJu Watkins at USC, the women's game is brimming with talent and excitement. Parity has been a defining feature of the season, with four teams holding the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable tournament.
How to Watch
Every game of the women's tournament will be broadcast on ESPN's networks and streaming services, with select games airing on ABC. Fans can stay updated on the schedule and matchups as the tournament progresses.
Top Contenders
As the tournament approaches, the top three betting favorites are UConn, defending champion South Carolina, and UCLA, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The competition promises to be fierce as these powerhouse teams vie for the championship title.
Selection Process
With 32 automatic bids awarded to conference champions and 36 at-large picks selected by the NCAA committee, the field of teams is set to be unveiled on Selection Sunday, March 16. The bracket matchups will be revealed, setting the stage for an intense and thrilling tournament.
Tournament Schedule
The First Four matchups will take place on March 19-20, followed by the first- and second-round games from March 21-24, held on various campuses. The Sweet 16 weekend will feature games in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington from March 28-31. The pinnacle of the tournament, the Final Four, will be held in Tampa, Florida on April 4, culminating in the championship game on April 6.
With the stage set for an exhilarating tournament filled with talent, parity, and excitement, women's March Madness promises to be a must-watch event for basketball fans everywhere.
For the latest updates on the AP March Madness bracket and coverage, visit here and here.
