Women’s NCAA Tournament Commits to Two-Site Regional Format Through 2031.

The NCAA has confirmed that the Division I women’s basketball tournament will continue using a two-site format for its regional rounds for at least the next five years. While officials remain open to eventually returning to four regional sites, the current structure will remain in place through 2031. Additionally, NCAA leadership indicated that any future expansion of the men’s tournament field would be matched by the women’s tournament in accordance with gender equity principles. Lynn Holzman, the NCAA’s vice president for women’s basketball, emphasized that maintaining equal postseason opportunities between men’s and women’s championships is a priority. She noted that both tournaments would expand simultaneously if such a decision is approved. Since its inception in 1982 with 32 teams, the women’s NCAA tournament has steadily grown. The field expanded to 64 teams in 1994 and later to 68 teams in 2022. A significant structural change came in 2023, when the NCAA shifted from hosting four separate regional sites to two locations, each hosting two regionals on alternating days. The goal of this change was to improve attendance and create a more dynamic tournament atmosphere. The two-site model has proven successful in boosting fan engagement. According to the NCAA, regional attendance reached record levels under the new format. The previous high under the four-site system was 73,954 attendees, while last year’s two-site setup in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, drew 84,754 fans.

Despite its success, the format is not without challenges. Concerns remain regarding television scheduling and limited practice access to the main court for participating teams. However, NCAA officials believe the benefits—particularly increased attendance and atmosphere—currently outweigh these drawbacks. This year’s regional rounds will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, and Sacramento, California. Future regional sites have already been determined for 2027 (Philadelphia and Las Vegas) and 2028 (Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C.). The selection process for sites beyond 2028 will begin in the summer, with final decisions expected in 2027.

The NCAA also plans to continue allowing the top 16 seeds to host early-round games through 2031. Meanwhile, the Women’s Final Four locations have been set through that same year, with upcoming host cities including Phoenix, Columbus, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Portland, and Dallas. Notably, the 2028 Final Four in Indianapolis will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium instead of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, increasing seating capacity by approximately 13,000. Holzman noted that the NCAA regularly evaluates all aspects of the tournament, gathering feedback from member institutions and stakeholders. She highlighted continued growth in viewership, particularly among women aged 18 to 34, and pointed to increased player engagement with fans as a contributing factor. The NCAA also introduced unit payments for women’s tournament participation in 2025, further aligning the women’s game with the men’s structure. Overall, the women’s NCAA tournament continues to expand in both popularity and visibility. While adjustments may be made in the future, current trends suggest sustained growth in attendance, engagement, and overall impact within the sport.