A Legacy of Excellence and the Excitement of Women’s March Madness 2025
The Women’s NCAA Tournament, often referred to as Women’s March Madness, is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in college basketball. Since its inception, the tournament has grown exponentially, showcasing the talent, determination, and passion of women athletes across the United States. Each year, millions of fans tune in to witness the thrilling matchups, Cinderella stories, and unforgettable moments that define this iconic championship.
As we celebrate the rich history of the Women’s NCAA Tournament, the excitement for the 2025 edition is building rapidly. With the bracket officially unveiled on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2025, fans are gearing up for another action-packed journey through the NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Tournament. Let’s take a closer look at the origins and evolution of the tournament, as well as what to expect from the 2025 March Madness showdown.
The Origin of the Women’s NCAA Tournament
The Women’s NCAA Tournament began in 1982, marking a significant milestone in women’s sports. Before the NCAA took over, the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) governed women’s college basketball. However, the NCAA’s involvement brought greater visibility, funding, and legitimacy to the sport.
The inaugural tournament in 1982 featured 32 teams, a far cry from the current 68-team format. Louisiana Tech emerged as the first champion, defeating Cheyney University in the final. This victory set the stage for what would become a decades-long tradition of excellence and competition.
Evolution of the Tournament
Over the years, the Women’s NCAA Tournament has undergone several changes to enhance its appeal and competitiveness:
- Expansion: The tournament expanded from 32 teams to 64 teams in 1994, and later to 68 teams in 2022, mirroring the men’s format.
- Increased Visibility: Television coverage has grown significantly, with ESPN securing exclusive broadcasting rights in 1996. Today, games are broadcast across multiple platforms, reaching millions of viewers.
- Historic Moments: The tournament has produced countless memorable moments, from buzzer-beaters to Cinderella stories, solidifying its place in sports history.
Past Winners (1982–2024)
The Women’s NCAA Tournament has seen dominant programs, legendary coaches, and unforgettable performances. Here’s a list of past champions up to the 2024 edition, arranged in ascending order:
| Year | Winning Team | Record | Head Coach | Runner-Up | Final Score | Championship Location |
| 1982 | Louisiana Tech | 35-1 | Sonja Hogg | Cheyney | 76-62 | Norfolk, VA |
| 1983 | USC | 31-2 | Linda Sharp | Louisiana Tech | 69-67 | Norfolk, VA |
| 1984 | USC | 29-4 | Linda Sharp | Tennessee | 72-61 | Los Angeles, CA |
| 1985 | Old Dominion | 31-3 | Marianne Stanley | Georgia | 70-65 | Austin, TX |
| 1986 | Texas | 34-0 | Jody Conradt | USC | 97-81 | Lexington, KY |
| 1987 | Tennessee | 28-6 | Pat Summitt | Louisiana Tech | 67-44 | Austin, TX |
| 1988 | Louisiana Tech | 32-2 | Leon Barmore | Auburn | 56-54 | Tacoma, WA |
| 1989 | Tennessee | 35-2 | Pat Summitt | Auburn | 76-60 | Tacoma, WA |
| 1990 | Stanford | 32-1 | Tara VanDerveer | Auburn | 88-81 | Knoxville, TN |
| 1991 | Tennessee | 30-5 | Pat Summitt | Virginia | 70-67 (OT) | New Orleans, LA |
| 1992 | Stanford | 30-3 | Tara VanDerveer | Western Kentucky | 78-62 | Los Angeles, CA |
| 1993 | Texas Tech | 31-3 | Marsha Sharp | Ohio State | 84-82 | Atlanta, GA |
| 1994 | North Carolina | 33-2 | Sylvia Hatchell | Louisiana Tech | 60-59 | Richmond, VA |
| 1995 | UConn | 35-0 | Geno Auriemma | Tennessee | 70-64 | Minneapolis, MN |
| 1996 | Tennessee | 32-4 | Pat Summitt | Georgia | 83-65 | Charlotte, NC |
| 1997 | Tennessee | 29-10 | Pat Summitt | Old Dominion | 68-59 | Cincinnati, OH |
| 1998 | Tennessee | 39-0 | Pat Summitt | Louisiana Tech | 93-75 | Kansas City, MO |
| 1999 | Purdue | 34-1 | Carolyn Peck | Duke | 62-45 | San Jose, CA |
| 2000 | UConn | 36-1 | Geno Auriemma | Tennessee | 71-52 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 2001 | Notre Dame | 34-2 | Muffet McGraw | Purdue | 68-66 | St. Louis, MO |
| 2002 | UConn | 39-0 | Geno Auriemma | Oklahoma | 82-70 | San Antonio, TX |
| 2003 | UConn | 37-1 | Geno Auriemma | Tennessee | 73-68 | Atlanta, GA |
| 2004 | UConn | 31-4 | Geno Auriemma | Tennessee | 70-61 | New Orleans, LA |
| 2005 | Baylor | 33-3 | Kim Mulkey | Michigan State | 84-62 | Indianapolis, IN |
| 2006 | Maryland | 34-4 | Brenda Frese | Duke | 78-75 (OT) | Boston, MA |
| 2007 | Tennessee | 34-3 | Pat Summitt | Rutgers | 59-46 | Cleveland, OH |
| 2008 | Tennessee | 36-2 | Pat Summitt | Stanford | 64-48 | Tampa, FL |
| 2009 | UConn | 39-0 | Geno Auriemma | Louisville | 76-54 | St. Louis, MO |
| 2010 | UConn | 39-0 | Geno Auriemma | Stanford | 53-47 | San Antonio, TX |
| 2011 | Texas A&M | 33-5 | Gary Blair | Notre Dame | 76-70 | Indianapolis, IN |
| 2012 | Baylor | 40-0 | Kim Mulkey | Notre Dame | 80-61 | Denver, CO |
| 2013 | UConn | 35-4 | Geno Auriemma | Louisville | 93-60 | New Orleans, LA |
| 2014 | UConn | 40-0 | Geno Auriemma | Notre Dame | 79-58 | Nashville, TN |
| 2015 | UConn | 38-1 | Geno Auriemma | Notre Dame | 63-53 | Tampa, FL |
| 2016 | UConn | 38-0 | Geno Auriemma | Syracuse | 82-51 | Indianapolis, IN |
| 2017 | South Carolina | 33-4 | Dawn Staley | Mississippi St. | 67-55 | Dallas, TX |
| 2018 | Notre Dame | 34-3 | Muffet McGraw | Mississippi St. | 61-58 | Columbus, OH |
| 2019 | Baylor | 37-1 | Kim Mulkey | Notre Dame | 82-81 | Tampa, FL |
| 2021 | Stanford | 31-2 | Tara VanDerveer | Arizona | 54-53 | San Antonio, TX |
| 2022 | South Carolina | 36-2 | Dawn Staley | UConn | 64-49 | Minneapolis, MN |
| 2023 | LSU | 34-2 | Kim Mulkey | Iowa | 102-85 | Dallas, TX |
| 2024 | South Carolina | 38-0 | Dawn Staley | Iowa | 87-75 | Cleveland, OH |
Dominant Programs and Legendary Coaches
The tournament has been shaped by powerhouse programs and iconic coaches:
- UConn: Under Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have won 11 championships, including an unprecedented four-peat from 2013 to 2016.
- Tennessee: Led by the legendary Pat Summitt, the Lady Vols claimed 8 titles, setting the standard for excellence in women’s basketball.
- Baylor, Notre Dame, and Stanford have also established themselves as perennial contenders, with multiple championships to their names.
2025 March Madness: Key Dates and Times
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, affectionately known as March Madness, is set to captivate basketball enthusiasts nationwide. This annual event showcases the pinnacle of women’s college basketball, where 68 teams compete in a thrilling single-elimination format to claim the national championship.
Key Dates and Structure:
- Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
- First Four: March 19-20, 2025
- First Round: March 21-22, 2025
- Second Round: March 23-24, 2025
- Sweet 16: March 28-29, 2025
- Elite Eight: March 30-31, 2025
- Final Four: April 4, 2025, Scheduled at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida
- National Championship: April 6, 2025, Scheduled at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida
First Round Matchups:
Friday, March 21, 2025:
- (6) Michigan vs. (11) Iowa State at 11:30 AM ET on ESPN2
- (4) Kentucky vs. (13) Liberty at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (8) Utah vs. (9) Indiana at 1:30 PM ET on ESPN2
- (3) Notre Dame vs. (14) Stephen F. Austin at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (5) Kansas State vs. (12) Fairfield at 2:30 PM ET on ESPNews
- (4) Baylor vs. (13) Grand Canyon at 3:30 PM ET on ESPNU
- (2) TCU vs. (15) FDU at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2
- (1) South Carolina vs. (16) Tennessee Tech at 4:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (7) Vanderbilt vs. (10) Oregon at 5:30 PM ET on ESPNews
- (4) Ohio State vs. (13) Montana State at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN2
- (5) Ole Miss vs. (12) Ball State at 6:00 PM ET on ESPNU
- (7) Louisville vs. (10) Nebraska at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (8) Richmond vs. (9) Georgia Tech at 7:30 PM ET on ESPNews
- (2) Duke vs. (15) Lehigh at 8:00 PM ET on ESPNU
- (5) Tennessee vs. (12) South Florida at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (1) UCLA vs. (16) Southern U. at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN
Saturday, March 22, 2025:
- (6) Iowa vs. (11) Murray State at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (2) UConn vs. (15) Arkansas State at 1:00 PM ET on ABC
- (5) Alabama vs. (12) Green Bay at 1:30 PM ET on ESPN2
- (2) NC State vs. (15) Vermont at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (6) West Virginia vs. (11) Columbia/Washington at 2:00 PM ET on ESPNews
- (3) Oklahoma vs. (14) FGCU at 2:30 PM ET on ESPNU
- (1) Southern California vs. (16) UNC Greensboro at 3:00 PM ET on ABC
- (7) Oklahoma State vs. (10) South Dakota State at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2
- (4) Maryland vs. (13) Norfolk State at 4:00 PM ET on ESPN
- (3) North Carolina vs. (14) Oregon State at 4:30 PM ET on ESPNU
- (7) Michigan State vs. (10) Harvard at 4:30 PM ET on ESPNews
- (8) California vs. (9) Mississippi State at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN2
- (8) Illinois vs. (9) Creighton at 7:15 PM ET on ESPNews
- (6) Florida State vs. (11) George Mason at 7:45 PM ET on ESPN2
- (1) Texas vs. (16) High Point/William & Mary at 9:45 PM ET on ESPN2
- (3) LSU vs. (14) San Diego State at 10:15 PM ET on ESPN
Sweet 16 and Elite Eight Locations
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds will take place at two regional sites:
- Birmingham, Alabama (Legacy Arena)
- Spokane, Washington (Spokane Arena)
These venues will host the best teams as they battle for a spot in the Final Four.
Final Four and Championship Game
The 2025 Final Four will be held at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on April 4, with the championship game scheduled for April 6. Tampa has become a iconic host city for the Women’s NCAA Tournament, and this year’s event is expected to draw huge crowds.
Future Tournament Sites
Looking ahead, the Women’s NCAA Tournament will continue to showcase top-tier venues across the country. Here are the future host cities:
- 2026: Phoenix, AZ (Footprint Center)
- 2027: Columbus, OH (Nationwide Arena)
- 2028: Indianapolis, IN (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
- 2029: San Antonio, TX (Alamodome)
- 2030: Portland, OR (Moda Center)
- 2031: Dallas, TX (American Airlines Center)
How to Follow the Action
The 2025 March Madness Women’s NCAA Tournament is set to deliver thrilling basketball action, and fans won’t want to miss a single moment. Whether you’re watching from home, on the go, or planning to attend games in person, here’s everything you need to know to stay connected:
- TV Broadcasts: All games will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and their affiliated channels. These networks have been the home of the Women’s NCAA Tournament for years, providing comprehensive coverage, expert commentary, and in-depth analysis. Key matchups, including the Final Four and National Championship Game, will be aired on ABC, ensuring maximum visibility for the biggest games of the tournament.
- Live Streaming: For fans who prefer to stream the games, the ESPN app and ESPN.com will offer live streaming options. This is perfect for those who are on the go or don’t have access to a TV. Simply log in with your cable provider credentials to access all the action. Additionally, streaming services like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling TV also carry ESPN and ABC, providing flexible viewing options.
- Printable Bracket: One of the most exciting aspects of March Madness is filling out a bracket and tracking your predictions. Fans can download the printable bracket from the official NCAA website or ESPN as soon as the tournament field is announced on Selection Sunday. Whether you’re competing in a friendly office pool or just following along for fun, the bracket is an essential tool for staying engaged throughout the tournament.
- Social Media and Online Updates: Stay updated with real-time highlights, scores, and breaking news by following the NCAA Women’s Basketball social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Hashtags like #MarchMadness and #WomensNCAA will keep you in the loop with the latest buzz. ESPN and sports analysts will also provide live updates, post-game recaps, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Attending Games in Person: For fans lucky enough to attend games in person, the 2025 tournament will be hosted at iconic venues like Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida (Final Four and Championship Game) and regional sites such as Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington. Tickets can be purchased through the official NCAA website or authorized ticket vendors. Be sure to secure your seats early, as games often sell out quickly!
- Podcasts and Analysis: For deeper insights into the tournament, tune into popular sports podcasts and analysis shows. Programs like ESPN’s Women’s Hoops Podcast and The Athletic’s NCAA coverage offer expert breakdowns, player interviews, and predictions to enhance your viewing experience.
Conclusion
The 2025 March Madness Women’s NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. With a stacked schedule, fierce competition, and historic venues, this year’s event is a must-watch for basketball fans. From the opening tip-off of the First Four to the final buzzer of the National Championship Game, every moment promises to be unforgettable.
Mark your calendars, grab your brackets, and get ready for the madness! Whether you’re cheering for a top seed or rooting for an underdog, the 2025 tournament will showcase the best of women’s college basketball. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action—tune in, stream online, or head to the arena to witness history in the making. Let the madness begin!
