The Women’s March Madness 2025 tournament is fast approaching, and with it, a new chapter in NCAA Women's Basketball.
With the tournament expanding and teams gearing up for a competitive season, fans and bettors alike are eager to see who will claim the title.
From its humble beginnings to its rise in popularity, Women's March Madness has evolved dramatically over the years. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the tournament, break down the schedule for 2025, and give you a look at the teams to watch.
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, now known as Women’s March Madness, began in 1982, following the NCAA’s decision to sponsor women’s collegiate athletics. Initially featuring 32 teams, the tournament has since expanded, reaching 64 teams in 1994 and growing to 68 teams in 2022, mirroring the men’s format.
Over the years, powerhouse programs like UConn, Tennessee, Stanford, and South Carolina have dominated, with legendary coaches such as Pat Summitt, Geno Auriemma, and Dawn Staley shaping the sport.
One of the biggest milestones in recent history was the 2022 tournament, when the NCAA officially branded the women’s tournament as “March Madness” for the first time, giving it the same recognition as the men’s event.
With record-breaking viewership and increasing parity among teams, Women’s March Madness 2025 promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments yet.
Mark these important dates for the 2025 tournament:
This highly-anticipated women's basketball tournament begins with Selection Sunday on March 16, 2025, when the 68-team bracket is revealed.
The excitement intensifies during the First Four and proceeds through the later rounds culminating with the National Championship on April 6. Recent training camps and renewed team strategies add more layers of anticipation.
The tournament includes 68 teams competing in a knockout format:
Recent improvements in travel and communication between organized officials and teams promise tighter coordination and more exciting matchups.
Fans will have several ways to follow the tournament live, so here are some of the best ways to watch March Madness:
Thanks to any of the above options, you can enjoy reliable coverage and commentary during this year's March Madness tournament.
The tournament takes place at multiple venues across the country:
And thanks to plans for facility enhancements and improved seating arrangements, each venue promises a great March Madness experience for both fans and players.
Ticket purchases for the tournament can be made through several channels:
Securing tickets early remains a smart choice, especially for feature matchups. New digital ticketing options have been initiated to reduce waiting times and improve customer satisfaction.
The South Carolina Gamecocks clinched the 2024 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship by defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 87 - 75 on April 7, 2024, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
This victory secured South Carolina's third national title under head coach Dawn Staley, who became the fifth coach to win three NCAA Division I women's basketball championships. The Gamecocks completed an undefeated season, a feat last achieved by UConn in 2016.
Center Kamilla Cardoso delivered a standout performance with 15 points and 17 rebounds, earning her the Most Outstanding Player award. Despite Iowa's Caitlin Clark setting a first-quarter championship record with 18 points, South Carolina's resilience and depth led them to victory.
As the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament approaches, several teams have emerged as leading contenders for the championship:
Considering current form, depth, and experience, the South Carolina Gamecocks are well-positioned to defend their title. Their balanced offense and defense, combined with championship experience, make them the team to beat in the 2025 tournament.
Note: Tournament outcomes are unpredictable, and while these insights are based on current data, actual results may vary.
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