The March Madness that started with 68 teams is now down to the final four. And for the first time in years, there are no underdogs left, only giants. No Cinderella stories. No surprise runs- Just four powerhouses, one stage, and everything to lose.

All four No. 1 seeds, the UConn Huskies, South Carolina Gamecocks, UCLA Bruins, and Texas Longhorns,  have a combined record of 143-7 this season. Clearly, they have all dominated their way to Phoenix, setting up a rare, heavyweight-only showdown. With perfection on the line and redemption in play, this year’s Final Four feels less like a tournament and more like a collision course, one where only one team will walk away with everything.

What Is the Schedule for the 2026 Women’s Final Four?

The 2026 Women’s March Madness Final Four begins on Friday, April 3, 2026, with both semifinal matchups taking place on the same night in Phoenix, Arizona. The first game between the UConn Huskies and South Carolina Gamecocks starts at 7:00 PM (ET). The second, between the UCLA Bruins and Texas Longhorns, will tip off at 9:30 PM (ET). 

Specifically, the second semifinal will tip off 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1, which means the exact start time may shift slightly depending on how long the first game runs. As expected, the winners from this semifinal clash will advance to this final showdown on April 5, where the national champion will be crowned.

Which Teams Are Playing in the 2026 Women’s Final Four Matchups?

The 2026 Women’s Final Four features four of the most dominant teams in the nation: UConn, South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas. South Carolina vs. UConn, which is perhaps the most anticipated game in this tournament, kicks off first. And it’s not just a semifinal, it’s a championship rematch.

The UConn Huskies enter this clash undefeated at 38-0, with the nation’s best defense (50.1 PPG allowed) and one of its most explosive offenses. They also have a 54-game winning streak on the line. In short, they’ve looked nearly untouchable all season, with stars like Azzi Fudd and all-around force Sarah Strong. On the other side, the South Carolina Gamecocks arrive with a 35-3 record and a point to prove. Having lost to UConn in last year’s title game, they enter this game with added motivation.

On the other end of the bracket, the Texas Longhorns will take on UCLA. The UCLA Bruins have been nearly flawless at 35-1 this season. They had a perfect conference run and a dominant tournament showing, but interestingly, their only loss of the season came from none other than the Longhorns, who hold a 35-3 record as they head into this game.

So, beyond just a shot at the championship game, this is also a rematch. UCLA will look to prove that the loss was an anomaly, while Texas aims to show it was no fluke.

What TV Channel Is the Women’s Final Four 2026 On?

The 2026 Women’s March Madness Final Four will broadcast nationally on ESPN, which is continuing its long-standing role as the primary home of NCAA women’s basketball. Both semifinal matchups, featuring the UConn Huskies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks and UCLA Bruins vs. Texas Longhorns, will air live on ESPN in prime time on Friday, April 3.

For the championship game, coverage shifts to ABC, which brings the title matchup to an even broader national audience on Sunday, April 5. Coverage will include full pregame analysis, halftime breakdowns, and postgame coverage with expert commentary, player interviews, and highlights.

How Can You Live Stream the 2026 Women’s Final Four Games?

If you prefer to watch online or on mobile devices, there are several official streaming options available. These include the ESPN App, ESPN Unlimited, which is the official streaming platform for women’s March Madness, and Fubo.

Fans can also stream games directly on the web through ESPN.com/watch with the appropriate login credentials. They can also access ESPN and supported apps via Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and more.

Where Is the 2026 Women’s Final Four Being Played?

The 2026 Women’s Final Four will take place at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. This marks the first time that the city has hosted this stage of the NCAA women’s tournament.

Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the arena is one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the United States. It serves as the home court for both the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), with a seating capacity of over 17,000.

Both Final Four semifinal matchups will take place at this same venue. UConn and South Carolina will tip off first, followed by Texas vs. UCLA shortly after.