The field of 68 for the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament has been largely set, with the selection committee unveiling its top 16 seeds on Saturday, March 14. What we have is the first time the top 16 seeds have been announced a day before Selection Sunday.
Key Developments
The unveiling of the top 16 seeds allows host sites additional preparation time. Princeton secured the Ivy League’s automatic bid by defeating Harvard, averting a potential scenario where two Ivy League teams could have competed for at-large bids. Four auto-bids remain undecided – in the Patriot League, CAA, NEC, and Missouri Valley conferences – and will be determined on Sunday.
Projected Bracket Highlights
As of the morning of March 15, UConn is projected as a No. 1 seed in the Storrs, Connecticut regional. Other No. 1 seeds include UCLA (Los Angeles, California), Texas (Austin, Texas), and South Carolina (Columbia, South Carolina). Schools like West Virginia, North Carolina, and Minnesota are projected to host games during the opening weekend, while Kentucky, Maryland, and Michigan State will not.
The bracket projection indicates close calls on the bubble, with teams like Richmond and Arizona State potentially securing at-large bids. Richmond currently ranks within the top 50 in NET, WAB, Torvik, and Her Hoop Stats Rating, alongside Nebraska.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events clarified the tournament picture on Saturday?
The selection committee unveiled its top 16 seeds, and Princeton won the Ivy League tournament, securing the conference’s automatic bid.
How many auto-bids are still undecided?
Just four auto-bids are undecided: the Patriot League, the CAA, the NEC, and the Missouri Valley.
When will the official bracket be revealed?
The official bracket will be unveiled at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
As the tournament draws near, will recent performance continue to be a deciding factor for teams on the bubble?