Oklahoma Women’s Basketball to Host NCAA Tournament Rounds | Sooners Earn Top-16 Seed

by Chief Editor

Oklahoma women’s basketball will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. This marks the third time under fifth-year head coach Jennie Baranczyk that the Sooners have secured a top-16 seed and hosting privileges.

Tournament Berth and Seed

The NCAA selection committee announced its top 16 teams Saturday, with Oklahoma included. The full bracket, including seeds and matchups, will be revealed Sunday at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. Oklahoma’s current record is 24-7 overall.

Did You Know? Oklahoma has made 26 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with 24 of those coming since 2000.

Recent Success and Key Players

This is the fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for the Sooners under Coach Baranczyk. In all five appearances with Baranczyk at the helm, Oklahoma has earned a top-five seed, tying a program record for consecutive top-five seeds set between 2006 and 2010. The team is led by All-SEC selections Raegan Beers and Aaliyah Chavez, who was named ESPN’s National Freshman of the Year.

Expert Insight: Securing a top-16 seed and hosting the first two rounds provides a significant advantage, offering home-court support and minimizing travel for the team during a critical phase of the tournament.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 championship will be the fifth NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament to feature a 68-team field. First Four games are scheduled for March 18-19 at select top-16 host sites. Should Oklahoma advance, regional play will take place at either Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, or Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, from March 27-30. The Women’s Final Four is set for April 3 and 5 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times has Oklahoma reached the Final Four?

Oklahoma has reached the Final Four three times, in 2002, 2009, and 2010.

When did Oklahoma last reach the Sweet Sixteen?

Oklahoma most recently reached the Sweet Sixteen in 2025.

How many total NCAA Tournament appearances does Oklahoma have?

Oklahoma has made 26 appearances in the NCAA Tournament all-time.

With the bracket reveal approaching, what are your predictions for the Sooners’ path through the tournament?

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