2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament Odds

Dylan Wilkerson Sports Betting Expert

10 minute read

The road to becoming the Women's NCAA tournament winner is one of the most grueling and exhilarating journeys in all of sports. Every March, 68 teams enter the bracket with dreams of cutting down the nets, but only one can cement their place in history.

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Updated on 3/27/26

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Who is the Defending Women's NCAA Tournament Winner?

The UConn Huskies are the defending national champions.

The UConn Huskies entered the 2025-26 season as the defending womens NCAA tournament winner after a dominant performance in last year’s championship. In April 2025, Geno Auriemma led the Huskies to an 82-59 victory over South Carolina in Tampa, Florida, ending a nine-year title drought and securing a record 12th national championship for the program. The victory was a fairytale ending for superstar Paige Bueckers, who capped her collegiate career with a title before becoming the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. This season, the Huskies remain a top favorite to repeat, powered by Azzi Fudd (the 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player) and breakout star Sarah Strong, as they look to build on their legacy as the most successful program in the history of the sport.

Favorites for the Upcoming 2025-26 Tournament

As we look ahead to the next iteration of March Madness, several teams stand out as leading contenders to become the next womens NCAA tournament winner.

1. South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)

The defending champions remain the team to beat. Under Coach Staley, South Carolina has built a culture of dominance rooted in elite defense, depth, and unwavering toughness. While they lose key pieces to the WNBA, their ability to recruit and develop talent means they are always in the title conversation.

2. UConn Huskies (Big East)

You can never count out Geno Auriemma. After several seasons plagued by injuries to superstar Paige Bueckers and others, a healthy UConn squad is terrifying for the rest of the country. The Huskies hold a record 11 national titles and have the experience and star power to make it 12.

3. Texas Longhorns (SEC)

Now competing in the SEC, the Longhorns possess a blend of veteran leadership and dynamic scoring. They have consistently been a top-tier program under Vic Schaefer and are poised to challenge the elite for a spot in the Final Four.

4. UCLA Bruins (Big Ten)

The Bruins are consistently among the nation's best, known for their disciplined play and balanced offensive attack. In a tough new conference, UCLA has the tools to navigate the bracket and make a serious push for the title.

Highlights and Storylines from the Regular Season

The journey to the tournament is defined by the moments that shape the contenders. This season has been no different, filled with upset alerts, record-breaking performances, and emerging stars.

• The Rise of the Freshmen: Continuing the trend from previous years, freshman players are making an immediate, superstar impact, changing the landscape of rankings and shifting power dynamics.
• Conference Realignment Chaos: New rivalries were born and old ones intensified as major programs adjusted to their new conference homes, creating unpredictable matchups throughout the winter.
• A "Packed" House: Attendance records continued to shatter across the country, proving that the massive surge in popularity for women’s basketball isn't just a trend—it's the new normal.

How to Watch the Women's NCAA Tournament

Don't miss a second of the action. The women’s tournament is more accessible than ever before, with every game broadcast live.

TV Networks

The primary home for the Women’s NCAA Tournament is the ESPN family of networks.

• Early Rounds: Games will be aired across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews.
• Championship Game: The National Championship game will be broadcast live on ABC, continuing a tradition of placing the biggest game on broadcast television.

Streaming Options

• All games are available to stream via the ESPN app or ESPN.com with a valid TV provider login.
• The games are also accessible through streaming services that carry ESPN networks, such as YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV.

Where is the Women's NCAA Tournament Championship?

The culmination of the 2025-26 season will take place at the Women’s Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona.

The national semifinals and the ultimate championship game, where the womens NCAA tournament winner will be crowned, will be held at the Footprint Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

Relevance and Impact

The Women's NCAA Tournament has grown beyond a simple sporting event; it's a cultural phenomenon. It drives national conversation, sets viewing records, and inspires the next generation of athletes. The winner of this tournament doesn't just earn a trophy; they capture the imagination of the country and cement their legacy in an era of unprecedented growth for the sport.

Check out the latest Men's NCAA Championship odds for the latest on the men's side of the ball.

Dylan Wilkerson

Dylan Wilkerson has over 5 years of experience reporting and analyzing the sports betting industry for various sites. His portfolio includes work for SportsHandle and Action Network, in addition to VegasInsider. His favorite sports are the NFL, College Football, The PGA Tour, the LIV Tour, and Cricket. Dylan has a broad and deep understanding of various sports-related topics. More from Dylan Wilkerson