The anticipation for the women's college basketball season has finally ended as Notre Dame prepares to take on Villanova in a historic matchup. This thrilling encounter is set for Sunday, November 1, at the stunning Palazzo dello Sport in Rome, Italy.
A Historic First
This game marks a significant milestone as it is the inaugural regular-season women's college basketball game hosted in Italy. The matchup is part of the "Eternal City Classic," which also features the men’s teams from both institutions. The event is a tribute to Pope Leo XIV, who notably became the first American-born pope in 2025.
Team Overview
Notre Dame enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 13 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, boosted by the talents of All-American and reigning ACC Player of the Year, Hannah Hidalgo. Following a commendable run to the Elite Eight last season, the Fighting Irish will be led by head coach Niele Ivey, now in her seventh year at the program. Her roster also includes valuable transfers, notably Madison St. Rose from Princeton, along with an impressive recruiting class featuring standout 6-foot-2 wing Jacy Abii.
On the other side of the court, Villanova looks to continue its success after finishing last season with a record of 25-8. Under the guidance of head coach Denise Dillon, this will be their third appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats are spearheaded by Jasmine Bascoe, a two-time All-Big East honoree who averaged an impressive 18.9 points per game last season, along with 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Game Day Details
As the only women's college basketball game scheduled for Sunday, the Notre Dame vs. Villanova clash is expected to draw significant attention from fans. The season officially commences in full swing on Monday, featuring several top 25 teams, including two high-profile matchups in Paris, where No. 11 North Carolina will face No. 21 Oklahoma, and No. 17 Maryland will go up against No. 1 South Carolina.
Viewing Information
The game will tip off at 12 p.m. ET, airing live on FS1. Kevin Kugler will provide play-by-play commentary, supported by analyst Kim Adams.
If you're unable to watch via cable, streaming options are available, with FS1 accessible through platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
Betting Odds
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Notre Dame is favored to win by 7.5 points, with the over-under set at 142.5 points for the total score from both teams.
Upcoming Matches
- Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish will host Stonehill in South Bend, Indiana, on November 6 at 8 p.m. ET; the game will be streamed on ACCNX.
- Villanova: The Wildcats are scheduled to face Princeton on November 10 at 7 p.m. ET, with coverage on SNY and NBC Sports Philadelphia.