Women's Final Four 2026 Set After Thrilling Elite Eight Battles

Womens Final Four 2026 Set After Thrilling Elite Eight Battles...

The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four field is complete after a dramatic Elite Eight weekend that saw top seeds survive and underdogs fall just short. South Carolina, UConn, Stanford, and LSU secured their spots in Indianapolis, setting up what analysts predict could be the most competitive semifinals in tournament history.

This year's Final Four features three programs with multiple national championships and one rising powerhouse. Defending champion South Carolina advanced with a 72-68 win over Texas, while UConn held off a late surge from Notre Dame 81-75. Stanford dominated Ohio State 88-70, and LSU outlasted Louisville 65-63 in overtime.

The matchups are drawing unprecedented attention because all four teams spent time ranked No. 1 this season. ESPN reports ticket resale prices have already doubled compared to 2025, with the LSU-South Carolina semifinal generating particular buzz. The games will be played April 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Social media erupted after LSU's victory, with star guard Jasmine Carson trending nationally for her 28-point performance. NCAA officials confirmed this year's tournament has set new records for TV ratings and digital engagement through the Elite Eight round.

Coaches Dawn Staley (South Carolina), Geno Auriemma (UConn), Tara VanDerveer (Stanford), and Kim Mulkey (LSU) bring a combined 15 national titles to the sidelines. The semifinals will air live on ESPN, with the championship game scheduled for April 9 at 8:30 PM ET.