The 2026 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to take place in Indianapolis from March 4 to March 8, featuring a lineup of top-ranked teams vying for coveted spots in the NCAA Tournament. Defending champions UCLA are primed to defend their title, aiming for back-to-back championships after finishing the regular season with a remarkable record of 27-1 (17-0 in conference play).
As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds around other strong contenders. Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio State are expected to pose significant challenges, alongside teams such as Maryland and Michigan State. The competition promises to be fierce, with the top 15 teams from the conference set to participate.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The tournament will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and will commence with the opening round on March 4, 2026. The complete seeding and bracket details are yet to be finalized, but as of February 27, the standings show a competitive landscape. Teams in bold are confirmed in their respective seeds:
– No. 1: UCLA, 27-1 (17-0)
– No. 2: Iowa, 23-5 (14-3)
– No. 3: Michigan, 23-5 (14-3)
– No. 4: Minnesota, 21-7 (12-5)
– No. 5: Ohio State, 23-6 (12-5)
– No. 6: Maryland, 23-6 (11-6)
– No. 7: Michigan State, 22-6 (11-6)
– No. 8: Illinois, 19-9 (9-8)
– No. 9: USC, 17-11 (9-8)
– No. 10: Washington, 19-9 (9-8)
– No. 11: Oregon, 20-10 (8-9)
– No. 12: Nebraska, 17-11 (6-11)
– No. 13: Indiana, 16-13 (5-12)
– No. 14: Wisconsin, 13-15 (5-12)
– No. 15: Penn State, 11-17 (4-13)
Viewing Options for Fans
For those eager to watch the tournament, multiple broadcasting options are available. The opening round will be streamed exclusively on Peacock, while the Big Ten Network will cover subsequent rounds, including the quarterfinals and semifinals. The championship game will be aired on CBS, ensuring widespread access for fans.
Here’s a breakdown of the key tournament dates and broadcasting details:
**Tournament Schedule:**
– **March 4 (Round 1)**
– Game 1: No. 12 vs. No. 13 at 15:30 ET, Peacock
– Game 2: No. 10 vs. No. 15 at 18:00 ET, Peacock
– Game 3: No. 11 vs. No. 14 at 20:30 ET, Peacock
– **March 5 (Round 2)**
– Game 4: No. 9 vs. No. 8 at 12:00 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– Game 5: No. 5 vs. Game 1 winner at 14:30 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– Game 6: No. 7 vs. Game 2 winner at 18:30 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– Game 7: No. 6 vs. Game 3 winner at 21:00 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– **March 6 (Quarterfinals)**
– Game 8: No. 1 vs. Game 4 winner at 12:00 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– Game 9: No. 4 vs. Game 5 winner at 14:30 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– Game 10: No. 2 vs. Game 6 winner at 18:30 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– Game 11: No. 3 vs. Game 7 winner at 21:00 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– **March 7 (Semifinals)**
– Game 12: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner at 14:00 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– Game 13: Game 10 winner vs. Game 11 winner at 16:30 ET, BTN, DIRECTV
– **March 8 (Championship)**
– Game 12 winner vs. Game 13 winner at 14:15 ET, CBS, Paramount+
As the tournament unfolds, basketball enthusiasts can expect a thrilling showcase of talent and competition as teams battle for supremacy in one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball.
