The NCAA women’s selection committee has announced that the seeding for the entire tournament field will be released for the first time next season. This change comes after the committee’s summer meetings, with the full seed list for all 68 teams set to be revealed on Selection Sunday, similar to the men’s tournament.
Derita Dawkins, chair of the committee and Arkansas assistant vice chancellor and deputy director of athletics, stated that the decision to reveal the entire championship field seed list was made to provide additional transparency to the bracketing processes. This move aims to enhance the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament.
The first- and second-round games will still be hosted by the top 16 seeds on March 19-24, 2025, rather than playing neutral-site games like the men. Following this, Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, will host the eight-team regionals, offering fans the opportunity to support their favorite teams in person.
Dawkins highlighted the success of the women’s basketball championship in recent years, with record-breaking attendance and television ratings during March Madness. The committee will also explore additional format options for future analysis to further enhance the tournament experience for players and fans alike.
In addition to the tournament changes, the committee announced that the championship games for Division I, II, and III will take place in Indianapolis in 2028. This marks the third time that one city will host all three championship games, with previous instances in Indianapolis in 2016 and Dallas in 2023. The men’s divisions will also crown champions in Indianapolis in 2026, showcasing the city’s reputation as a premier host for NCAA basketball events.
Amanda Braun, Milwaukee athletic director, will serve as the chair of the women’s committee in 2025-26, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. This leadership change reflects the committee’s commitment to ensuring the continued success and growth of women’s college basketball.
These developments signal an exciting new chapter for the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, with increased transparency, fan engagement, and championship game opportunities on the horizon. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable tournament experience in the years to come, as the sport continues to thrive and capture the hearts of basketball enthusiasts nationwide.
