The 68-team field is set, and the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament officially begins Wednesday, March 18, with the First Four. Unlike the men’s side, the women’s play-in games are held on campus sites, often creating some of the most electric atmospheres of the entire tournament.
All four First Four games will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN2.
2026 Women’s March Madness First Four Schedule
Here’s the 2026 Women’s March Madness First Four schedule for you. The games kickoff on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 and are being shown on ESPN2.
Wednesday, March 18 – Opening Night
The action starts with a high-profile 11-seed battle in Durham and a clash of 16-seeds in Austin.
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Seed | Location | TV Channel |
| 7:00 PM | Nebraska vs. Richmond | 11 | Durham, NC | ESPN2 |
| 9:00 PM | Missouri State vs. Stephen F. Austin | 16 | Austin, TX | ESPN2 |
Thursday, March 19 – Final Play-In Spots
Thursday’s slate features a battle for a spot in the Sacramento 4 region and a critical 10-seed matchup in Iowa City.
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Seed | Location | TV Channel |
| 7:00 PM | Samford vs. Southern | 16 | Columbia, SC | ESPN2 |
| 9:00 PM | Virginia vs. Arizona State | 10 | Iowa City, IA | ESPN2 |
📥 Lock in Your Women’s Bracket Before Tip-Off!
The women’s tournament is seeing record-breaking viewership, and your pool is likely more competitive than ever. Don’t get caught without a bracket!
Download the Official 2026 Women’s March Madness Bracket
Supporting Downloads for Women’s Basketball:
- 2026 WNIT Schedule & Bracket
- 2026 WBIT Schedule & Bracket
- Women’s DII Basketball Tournament & Schedule
Women’s March Madness First Four FAQ
Question 1: What channel are the Women’s First Four games on? Answer: All 2026 Women’s First Four games will be televised on ESPN2. You can also stream the games via the ESPN App or through streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo.
Question 2: Where are the Women’s First Four games played? Answer: Unlike the men’s First Four (held in Dayton), the women’s First Four games are played at campus sites. In 2026, the host sites are Durham (Duke), Austin (Texas), Columbia (South Carolina), and Iowa City (Iowa).
Question 3: Does the Women’s First Four count for my bracket? Answer: Yes. Most major platforms (ESPN, CBS Sports) include the First Four in their official scoring. However, if you are in a standard 64-team office pool, your bracket likely won’t “lock” until the first full round begins on Friday morning.
