New Proposal for Women’s Basketball Season Start
Starting the women’s basketball season earlier than the men’s could enhance the spotlight on the sport. The NCAA’s basketball oversight committees suggest beginning the women’s season on the Monday, 22 weeks before the women’s Final Four, two days before the men’s season, from the 2025-26 season. This change aims to increase marketing and promotional opportunities, giving women’s basketball an elevated campus presence.
Additionally, this adjustment helps both sports avoid Election Day conflicts, providing more flexibility for TV scheduling and venue availability. Currently, both seasons start on the same day, but the new proposal could set the women’s first game on Nov. 3, 2025, and the men’s on Nov. 5, 2025. If approved, this shift would deviate from the current Nov. 11, 2025, start date for both.
The rise of women’s basketball, bolstered by stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, has led to a significant media rights deal between the NCAA and ESPN. This eight-year, $920 million deal reflects the sport’s growing popularity, with $65 million annually tied to the women’s NCAA tournament. This surge in visibility underscores the sport’s increasing influence and potential.
