The 2026 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship field was officially announced on March 2, 2026, featuring 64 teams competing for the national title. Following the opening weekend (March 6-7), the tournament moves to the Sectionals (Sweet 16 and Great 8) on March 13-14. The 2026 DIII Women’s Final Four and National Championship game will be held in Salem, Virginia on March 20-21.
2026 NCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Championship
The road to the 2026 DIII Women’s Basketball title is underway. With 64 teams whittled down through the opening rounds, the competition is heating up for the Sectionals. Below is the complete schedule, latest scores, and bracket information.
2026 DIII Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule
First & Second Rounds: March 6–7, 2026
- Location: Hosted by 16 on-campus sites.
- Scores: Updated 2026 NCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Tournament Results (At NCAA.com)
Sectionals (Sweet 16 & Great 8): March 13–14, 2026
- Location: Hosted by four on-campus sites.
- Game Times: TBD (Typically 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM local times)
*Note: Times are notional until confirmed by the NCAA. Great 8 matchups to follow after the sectionals are complete.
| Game | Matchup | Time (Est.) |
| Sectional 1 | NYU vs. Messiah | 5:00 PM |
| Sectional 1 | Bates vs. Southern Maine | 7:30 PM |
| Sectional 2 | Scranton vs. John Carroll | 5:00 PM |
| Sectional 2 | UW-La Crosse vs. Hardin-Simmons | 7:30 PM |
| Sectional 3 | Washington & Lee vs. Johns Hopkins | 5:00 PM |
| Sectional 3 | Bethel vs. Denison | 7:30 PM |
| Sectional 4 | UW-Oshkosh vs. Washington U. | 5:00 PM |
| Sectional 4 | Illinois Wesleyan vs. Ripon | 7:30 PM |
Final Four: Friday, March 20, 2026
- National Semifinal 1: TBD vs. TBD | Time: TBD
- National Semifinal 2: TBD vs. TBD | Time: TBD
National Championship: Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Finals: Winner Semi 1 vs. Winner Semi 2 | Time: TBD
2026 NCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Bracket (Printable PDF)
For fans looking to track the road to the Final Four, we have provided a link to the official bracket:
FAQ: 2026 DIII Women’s Tournament
How many teams are in the DIII Women’s Basketball Tournament?
There are 64 teams in the field. 42 teams receive automatic bids (Pool A) by winning their conference championships, while the remaining 22 spots are filled via at-large selections (Pool C).
Where is the 2026 DIII Women’s Final Four?
The 2026 semifinals and championship game are being held in Salem, Virginia
How can I watch the DIII Women’s Basketball Championship?
Early round games are typically streamed through the host school’s athletic website. The National Championship and Final Four games are broadcast live on NCAA.com.
