The 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament bracket is out, featuring powerhouse teams vying for glory. UConn secures the No. 1 overall seed with a perfect 34-0 record, chasing a seventh undefeated season and a 13th national championship. The Huskies aim to become the first repeat champions since their four-peat from 2013-16.

Top Seeds and Regional Matchups

UConn, powered by stars Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, kicks off at home against 16th-seeded UTSA in the Fort Worth Regional. A potential matchup awaits with No. 2 Vanderbilt, led by coach Shea Ralph, a former UConn standout.

UCLA earns the No. 2 overall seed at 31-1, riding a 25-game win streak after a neutral-site loss to Texas. The Bruins, coached by Cori Close and anchored by center Lauren Betts, reached last year’s Final Four before falling to UConn. They seek the Big Ten’s first women’s title since 1999, with 12 conference teams in the field—a record matching last season.

In UCLA’s region, challengers include No. 2 LSU, No. 3 Duke, and No. 4 Minnesota. The SEC fields 10 teams, the ACC nine, and the Big 12 eight.

Texas claims the third No. 1 seed at 31-3, fresh off the SEC Tournament crown with victories over South Carolina in two of three meetings. The Longhorns compete in Fort Worth Regional 3, facing No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Louisville, and No. 4 West Virginia.

South Carolina (31-3) tops Sacramento Regional 4, marking their sixth straight No. 1 seed. They join No. 2 Iowa, No. 3 TCU, and No. 4 Oklahoma.

Notable First-Timers and Streaks

College of Charleston makes its debut as a 14-seed, winning the Colonial Athletic Association title—the field’s only newcomer this year, down from six last season.

Tennessee extends its streak to every NCAA Tournament since 1982 as a 10th seed. Despite seven straight losses and just 16 wins—the fewest for an at-large team since Oklahoma in 2018—the Lady Vols advance.

Tournament Format and Payouts

Top 16 seeds host first- and second-round games. Sweet 16 action splits between Fort Worth, Texas, and Sacramento, California. The Final Four hits Phoenix on April 3, with the championship on April 5.

Hosts were announced a day early to boost ticket sales, aid ESPN logistics, and streamline marketing. Teams earn financial units for advancing rounds, mirroring the men’s tournament. Extra units go to the championship contestants and winner, enhancing the pool without reducing base values.