Women’s College Basketball Returns to Paris in 2026

Women’s college basketball is making a comeback in Paris, France, in 2026. This will be the fourth consecutive year that the sport has had games in the City of Lights during the opening week of the season.

This year’s matchups include Duke against Baylor, while Vanderbilt will compete against California. In 2024, USC squared off with Ole Miss and UCLA faced Louisville. Upcoming in 2023, Notre Dame will take on South Carolina.

Next season, at least one more team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) will make its debut in France and face an opponent from the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

North Carolina State is set to go up against Oklahoma State in a matchup dubbed “Oui Play” on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Paris. This game was initially reported, and later confirmed, by a sports news outlet.

While neither the Tar Heels nor the Sooners have made official announcements about their trip to Paris for the next season, the event organizers are already promoting the games. There are even VIP travel packages available for fans.

The Oui Play stage is considered significant within the sport as it typically garners a coveted time slot on ESPN’s opening day. Back in May, UNC coach Courtney Bangert had been advocating for the trip to Paris, with emails obtained through a public records request revealing her efforts.

Bangert stated in an email to athletic officials that this experience would be monumental for both the team and its brand. She noted that four ACC teams would be participating by the following year.

The last encounter between North Carolina and Oklahoma State took place in December 2023 during the Jumpman Invitational, where UNC emerged victorious, led by Dejah Kelly’s 21 points. Both teams are associated with the Jordan Brand.

Looking ahead, both squads have promising freshmen on their rosters who could benefit from this significant game in Paris. UNC’s Nyla Brooks, a 6-foot-1 guard, is currently ranked among the top recruits and has garnered praise from Bangert for her talent and toughness.

On the other hand, Oklahoma boasts Aaliyah Chavez, an exceptional freshman who was named the MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic and the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year. She has high expectations for her journey this season.

During the Jordan Brand Classic, Brooks and Chavez showcased their skills against each other, with Brooks scoring 28 points and securing 10 rebounds. They will have the opportunity to face off again in Paris next season.