The 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament has arrived, igniting the electric anticipation of March Madness. Basketball fans across the globe are buzzing with one burning question: Who will claim the coveted title of national champion? Powerhouses like top-seeded South Carolina, winners of two of the last three championships, and USC, led by standout star JuJu Watkins, are among the favorites. Meanwhile, UCLA, fresh off a victory over USC in the Big Ten title game, and Texas, a contender for the No. 1 overall seed before falling to the Gamecocks, are also in the spotlight. Yet, the beauty of March Madness lies in its unpredictability—underdogs, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories could steal the show.
With the stage set, it’s time to dive into the action. Here’s your ultimate guide to Women’s March Madness games today, including live updates, scores, highlights, and everything you need to know about the first-round matchups on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Today’s Women’s March Madness Schedule
All times Eastern
- (6) Michigan vs. (11) Iowa State | 11:30 a.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- (4) Kentucky vs. (13) Liberty | Noon | ESPN (Fubo)
- (8) Utah vs. (9) Indiana | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- (3) Notre Dame vs. (14) Stephen F. Austin | 2 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
- (5) Kansas State vs. (12) Fairfield | 2:30 p.m. | ESPNews (Fubo)
- (4) Baylor vs. (13) Grand Canyon | 3:30 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)
- (2) TCU vs. (15) FDU | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- (1) South Carolina vs. (16) Tennessee Tech | 4 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
- (7) Vanderbilt vs. (10) Oregon | 5:30 p.m. | ESPNews (Fubo)
- (4) Ohio State vs. (13) Montana State | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- (5) Ole Miss vs. (12) Ball State | 6 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)
- (7) Louisville vs. (10) Nebraska | 6 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
- (8) Richmond vs. (9) Georgia Tech | 7:30 p.m. | ESPNews (Fubo)
- (2) Duke vs. (15) Lehigh | 8 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)
- (5) Tennessee vs. (12) South Florida | 8 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
- (1) UCLA vs. (16) Southern | 10 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
The first tip-off arrives at 11:30 a.m. ET, with Michigan facing Iowa State—a matchup sure to set the tone for the day.
Score Predictions for First-Round Games
As the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament kicks off in less than an hour, here’s a sneak peek at predicted scores for today’s first-round clashes. Stay tuned for expert insights as the madness unfolds!
Must-Watch First-Round Games
With 32 games spanning two days, the opening round is packed with excitement. Don’t miss these three Friday showdowns among the seven can’t-miss matchups of the weekend:
- Michigan vs. Iowa State: A classic 6 vs. 11 battle with upset potential.
- Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin: Can the 14-seed shock the Irish?
- South Carolina vs. Tennessee Tech: The defending champs begin their title defense.
Why Quarters vs Halves?
Ever wondered why the men’s NCAA Tournament uses two 20-minute halves while the women’s NCAA Tournament opts for four 10-minute quarters? Dive into the fascinating history behind this game-structure difference and what it means for the pace of play.
Top Women’s March Madness Upset Picks
Crafting the perfect printable March Madness bracket is a thrill, but watching it crumble with unexpected upsets is half the fun. Experts have pinpointed seven potential bracket-busters, including sleeper teams like Iowa State, Fairfield, and South Florida. Check out the full list to spot the chaos coming your way.
Women’s March Madness Locations
The 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament spans iconic venues. Here’s where the first and second rounds will unfold:
- Purcell Pavilion (South Bend, IN)
- Memorial Coliseum (Lexington, KY)
- Colonial Life Arena (Columbia, SC)
- Schollmaier Arena (Fort Worth, TX)
- Foster Pavilion (Waco, TX)
- Schottenstein Center (Columbus, OH)
- Cameron Indoor Stadium (Durham, NC)
- Pauley Pavilion (Los Angeles, CA)
- And more—see the full list above!
Full Women’s March Madness Schedule by Round
- First Round: March 21-22
- Second Round: March 23-24
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 4
- National Championship: April 6
Mark your calendars—the road to the title is a wild ride.
How to Watch Women’s March Madness
- TV Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews
- Streaming: March Madness Live, ESPN App, Fubo (free trial)
Catch every moment with March Madness Live or the ESPN app (cable login required). No cable? Try Fubo, which streams the ESPN family of networks and offers a limited free trial—perfect for sampling the action.
Printable March Madness Bracket
Time’s ticking to perfect your bracket predictions! Download a printable March Madness bracket and join the frenzy before tip-off.
Expert Bracket Predictions
Who’s cutting down the nets? USA TODAY Sports Network experts weigh in:
- Nancy Armour: UCLA, UConn, Texas, Duke
- Cora Hall: South Carolina, UConn, NC State, Notre Dame
- Meghan L. Hall: UCLA, USC, South Carolina, Notre Dame
- Cydney Henderson: UCLA, UConn, South Carolina, TCU
- Jordan Mendoza: UCLA, USC, South bendCarolina, Notre Dame
For detailed picks and national champion forecasts, explore the full breakdown.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament promises drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re rooting for giants like South Carolina and UCLA or hoping for a Cinderella run, this is your one-stop hub for live updates, scores, and highlights. Let the madness begin!
