2026 Women's Champions Classic Teams, Start Times, Full Field, Schedule, How to Watch

The 2026 Women's Champions Classic field has been revealed! The third-annual early-season showcase, presented by Horizon Sports & Experiences and FOX Sports, is set for Saturday, December 5, 2026, in New York. This primetime doubleheader features elite NCAA Division I women's basketball programs: UConn (making their third straight appearance), Maryland, Michigan, and tournament debutant Iowa State.

The four teams boast a combined 13 NCAA national championships and 29 NCAA Tournament appearances, promising high-level competition right out of the gate in the 2026-27 season.UConn is the lone returning team from prior years (they won in 2024 vs. Iowa and 2025 vs. others in the format). The event highlights rising and powerhouse squads, with UConn's dominance (led by stars like forward Sarah Strong) and historical edges (e.g., 8-1 all-time vs. Maryland since 2012) adding intrigue. Last year's edition (UConn, Tennessee, Iowa, Louisville) drew strong viewership (peaking at 860,000 on FOX, average 617,000) and over 11,000 fans at Barclays Center.

When Is the 2026 Women's Champions Classic?

Saturday, December 5, 2026. Game 1: Michigan vs. Iowa State – 7:00 p.m. ET

Game 2: UConn vs. Maryland – 9:00 p.m. ET

(Times subject to minor adjustments; doubleheader format with no break between games.)

Where Is the 2026 Women's Champions Classic?

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York (home to the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and WNBA's New York Liberty). Tickets went on sale March 13, 2026, via Ticketmaster (single-admission or packages; check barclayscenter.com or ticketmaster.com for availability and pricing—expect strong demand for this showcase).

Where To Watch the 2026 Women's Champions Classic?

Both games air live on FOX (national broadcast). Streaming available via FOX Sports app, FOXSports.com, or platforms carrying FOX (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV). Check local listings for channel (often FOX network affiliates). Highlights and replays post-event on FOX Sports digital.

Full Schedule & Matchups for 2026 Women's Champions Classic

Full Field and Teams

UConn Huskies — Three-peat participants; perennial No. 1 contender with dominant play (led by stars like forward Sarah Strong in recent seasons).

Maryland Terrapins — Debut; athletic, high-energy squad with strong ACC pedigree.

Michigan Wolverines — Debut; ranked highly last season (e.g., No. 8-9 range), known for tough, competitive style.

Iowa State Cyclones — Debut; consistent Big 12 performer with 20+ win seasons and tournament pedigree under coach Bill Fennelly.

2026 Schedule & Start Times (Dec. 5, 2026)

Game 1 (7:00 p.m. ET): Iowa State Cyclones vs. Michigan Wolverines — Opens the doubleheader with up-tempo, physical basketball potential.

Game 2 (9:00 p.m. ET): UConn Huskies vs. Maryland Terrapins — Nightcap featuring UConn's precision vs. Maryland's athleticism (series history favors Huskies heavily).

Times are Eastern Time and subject to minor broadcast adjustments; no break between games for seamless viewing.

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