NCAA Tournament Teams Set for Las Vegas Event

This season’s NCAA Tournament participants will gather for a two-day event in Las Vegas, Nevada, around mid-November.

Sources from SB Nation have revealed that the teams slated to participate include North Carolina, UCLA, South Florida, and Fairfield. The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association is sponsoring the event, which will air on ESPN.

While the matchups are already decided, it’s important to note that this isn’t a traditional tournament. One day will showcase a notable clash between UNC and UCLA, along with two exciting games featuring some of the top mid-major teams, Fairfield and USF. The other day will see the Tar Heels face off against the Stags, and the Bulls go up against the Bruins.

The exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the games could potentially take place at the Michelob Ultra Arena from November 13 to November 16.

This event boasts three head coaches with significant ties to the WBCA. USF’s Jose Fernandez serves as the current president, while UNC’s Courtney Bangart and UCLA’s Cori Close have both previously held that role.

For Fairfield, this is a remarkable opportunity, especially considering Carly Tibord Donis’s impressive record of 74 wins against just 22 losses over three seasons. The Stags claimed back-to-back MAAC Championships, made consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament, and proved they can compete effectively against major conference teams.

UCLA is coming off a notable season, having made it to the Final Four. With standout players like Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Lauren Betts and star guard Kiki Rice, the Bruins are aiming for a strong comeback next season.

Under Banghart, North Carolina made headlines by reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament for the first time during her six-year tenure.

For USF, this marks the ninth time in the last twelve tournaments that Fernandez’s team has been part of March Madness. They’re hoping to step back into the NCAA in 2026, bolstered by new talent from transfers like Katie David from IU Indy and Stephanie Ingram from Faw, among others.

For all four teams, participating in this event offers a chance to showcase their programs nationally, which could enhance their resumes through a neutral site victory.

This Las Vegas event is one of two that UCLA will be part of during the 2025-26 season. They’ll also compete in the inaugural Player ERA Women’s Championship, which will feature teams like Duke and South Carolina, providing athletes the chance to engage in activities with at least $1 million in NIL opportunities.