When does the 2026 NCAA Women's Tournament start?

The women's 2026 NCAA Tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 20th, 2026.

Who is playing in the opening game of the 2026 women's March Madness?

The opening game features a matchup between the No. 16 seed Samford Bulldogs and the No. 16 seed Southern Jaguars.

Where can I find March Madness expert picks for the women's tournament?

Expert picks for the first-round games of the women's tournament are available from reporters across the USA TODAY Sports Network.

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March Madness: 16 seeds clash to start tourney

19 Mar

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Summary

Women's 2026 NCAA Tournament begins Thursday.
No. 16 Samford faces No. 16 Southern in opener.
Expert picks are available for first-round games.

March Madness: 16 seeds clash to start tourney

The women's 2026 NCAA Tournament is set to commence on Thursday, March 20th, 2026, with an intriguing opening game. The No. 16 seed Samford Bulldogs will face off against the No. 16 seed Southern Jaguars. This marks the beginning of the 8-game schedule for the first round of March Madness.

Reporters from across the USA TODAY Sports Network will provide comprehensive coverage of the entire 68-team tournament. Fans can expect detailed updates on every aspect of the games as the competition unfolds. Expert picks for the first-round matchups are also being released, offering valuable insights for bracket challenges and predictions.

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