When does Women's March Madness start? Full schedule for First Four, Round 1 games in 2026 NCAA Tournament

Fireworks tend to find a home during the NCAA women's basketball tournament.

Contested over three weeks, the spectacle doesn't produce quite as many upsets as its male counterpart. However, Women's March Madness has played host to a fair few thrillers over the years.

From Arike Ogunbowale's heroics in the 2018 tourney to more recent displays by Aari MacDonald, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the women's tournament has left its mark over the years. Excitement continues to brew ahead of this year's iteration of the competition, which will pit luminaries like Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, Mikayla Blakes and Sporting News Women's College Basketball Player of the Year Sarah Strong against one another.

We know what beckons in the distance for those who weave through the gauntlet. But when does that gauntlet begin? Here's what you need to know about the start of Women's March Madness.

MORE: Dates, TV schedule, locations, odds & more for Women's March Madness

When does Women's March Madness start?

Women's March Madness will kick off on Wednesday, March 18, with the First Four matchups. The tournament will start in earnest on March 20, when the field of 64 begins to whittle down.

• Selection Sunday: March 15
• First Four: March 18-19
• First round: March 20-21
• Second round: March 22-23
• Birmingham Regional: March 27-28
• Spokane Regional: March 29-30
• Final Four: April 3
• NCAA championship game: April 5

Women's NCAA Tournament schedule 2026

Selection Sunday

March 15

First Four

Wednesday, March 18

Thursday, March 19

First Round

Friday, March 20

Saturday, March 21