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Women's basketball is a popular sport that is played at both the amateur and professional levels. The basketball season for women typically starts in the fall, with teams beginning their training camps and preseason games in preparation for the upcoming season. The exact start date can vary depending on the league and level of play, but it generally aligns with the start of the school year or the beginning of autumn. For example, the 2024-25 Women's Basketball season for the Iowa Hawkeyes started in the fall of 2024. The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, also known as Women's March Madness, takes place in April, with the 2025 Championship being held on April 4 and 6. This is the culmination of the season, with teams competing throughout the year to qualify and earn a chance to play for the national title.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2025 |
| Month | April |
| Day | 4 & 6 |
| Location | Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL |
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What You'll Learn
Women's basketball schedules
The women's basketball season typically begins in autumn, with regular-season games being played from October through February. This is followed by conference tournaments, which are usually held in March, and the NCAA tournament, which takes place in March and April.
The NCAA tournament is a single-elimination competition, with 64 teams competing in the initial round. The field gradually narrows down, leading to the Elite Eight, Final Four, and eventually, the National Championship game. This game crowns the national champion and marks the end of the women's college basketball season for that year.
The specific dates and times of games can vary, and schedules are subject to updates throughout the season. Women's basketball enthusiasts can stay informed by referring to official websites and sports news platforms, such as NCAA.com and CBSSports.com, which provide timely updates on matchups, tip-offs, and TV channels. These sources ensure that fans can follow the action and support their favourite teams throughout the tournament.
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Championship game dates
The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game dates for 2025 were April 4 and 6. The championship game was between South Carolina and UConn, with UConn winning its 12th NCAA women's basketball national championship. The game took place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
UConn's victory over South Carolina was largely due to the outstanding performance of Azzi Fudd, who scored 24 points, and Paige Bueckers, who added 17 points. UConn's freshman forward, Sarah Strong, also stood out with 24 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. This was UConn's first championship win since 2016.
South Carolina's offense struggled throughout the game, with a shooting percentage of just over 30% from the field. UConn, on the other hand, maintained their lead and dominated the scoreboard, showcasing their defensive and offensive prowess.
The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game was highly anticipated, featuring legendary coaches Geno Auriemma of UConn and Dawn Staley of South Carolina. UConn's victory added another achievement to Auriemma's Hall of Fame career, while it marked the first time that Staley's team fell short in her three championship appearances.
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Top players
Women's basketball is an exciting and dynamic sport that showcases the incredible skills and talents of female athletes. The 2024-2025 season has seen some outstanding performances and the rise of several key players who have dominated the court and captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.
One of the standout stars of the season has been Paige Bueckers of UConn. Bueckers, a guard for the Huskies, has consistently delivered impressive performances and set new records. In the lead-up to the Final Four, she scored a combined 71 points across two victories, solidifying her position as the top-ranked player by ESPN. Bueckers' scoring prowess continued, as she passed the legendary Napheesa Collier for third place on UConn's all-time scoring list. Her scoring streak included an incredible 105 points across three games, the highest in UConn history for such a span. With her exceptional shooting accuracy, passing abilities, and motivation to win a national title, Bueckers is a force to be reckoned with and a true leader on the court.
Another player who has shone brightly this season is Azzi Fudd, also of UConn. Fudd's journey to the top has been marked by determination and resilience, as she overcame knee injuries and returned to full form during March Madness. In the national championship game against South Carolina, Fudd delivered a stellar performance, scoring 24 points and adding 5 rebounds and 3 steals. This earned her the title of 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, capping off a dominant tournament where she averaged 21.4 points per game. Fudd's performance in the championship win over South Carolina showcased her grit and growth as a player, making her a pivotal member of the Huskies' dynasty.
Sarah Strong, a freshman forward for UConn, has also made headlines this season. Strong has been a key contributor to the Huskies' success, with her versatility and all-around game impacting both ends of the court. In the national semifinal against UCLA, she put up an impressive stat line of 22 points, 9 rebounds, a steal, and a block. Strong's performance in the national championship game further solidified her reputation as a rising star, tallying 17 points and 14 rebounds in a dominant showing. With her ability to consistently deliver double-doubles, Strong has become an integral part of UConn's championship run and is poised to be a force in women's basketball for years to come.
While Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong have garnered much of the spotlight, other players have also made their mark this season. Lauren Betts of UCLA has been a standout performer, showcasing her all-around talent and making history in the process. Joyce Edwards of South Carolina, despite struggling in recent games, has shown glimpses of brilliance and is a rising talent to watch. Additionally, players like Feagin of South Carolina and Gardiner of UCLA have stepped up during crucial moments, delivering clutch performances that have contributed to their teams' successes.
The 2024-2025 women's basketball season has been a showcase of exceptional talent, with these top players leading the way. Their skills, determination, and impact on the court have not only elevated their respective teams but also inspired fans and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
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Teams and coaches
Women's basketball is an exciting and dynamic sport that features many talented teams and coaches. The 2025 NCAA Women's College Basketball season culminated in a highly anticipated championship game between the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Gamecocks. This matchup showcased the exceptional coaching abilities of Geno Auriemma of UConn and Dawn Staley of South Carolina, both renowned leaders in the sport.
UConn, led by the Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma, has established itself as a dominant force in women's college basketball. Auriemma has guided the Huskies to an impressive 12 NCAA women's basketball national championships, including the most recent victory in 2025. His impact on the team's success is undeniable, and he has cultivated a culture of excellence at UConn.
The 2025 UConn Huskies squad featured standout players such as Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers, and Sarah Strong. Fudd's exceptional shooting abilities and resilience have contributed to many UConn victories. Bueckers, a pivotal member of the team, concluded her UConn career with a long-awaited national title. Additionally, freshman forward Sarah Strong made her mark with an impressive double-double performance in the championship game.
Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, the South Carolina Gamecocks have emerged as a formidable opponent. Staley has led her team to three championship appearances, showcasing their consistency and determination. While they fell short in the 2025 final, players like Joyce Edwards and Lauren Betts have contributed to the team's success. Joyce Edwards, in particular, has been instrumental in the Gamecocks' strong defensive performances.
The rivalry between UConn and South Carolina has produced thrilling encounters, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. The 2025 championship game highlighted the strategic prowess and tactical adjustments made by both coaches. The game also showcased the talent and resilience of the players, with UConn ultimately prevailing as champions.
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Previous winners
The NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament, sometimes referred to as Women's March Madness, is a single-elimination tournament played each spring in the United States. The tournament was preceded by the AIAW women's basketball tournament, which was organized by the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) from 1972 to 1982.
The UConn Huskies hold the record for the most NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championships, with 12 national titles. This includes four straight championships from 2013 to 2016. The team has also made the semi-finals for 14 consecutive tournaments.
The 2024 women's championship was the first to receive higher viewership than the men's championship in the same year. The 2025 tournament schedule includes the Final Four on Friday, April 4, with the NCAA championship game taking place on Sunday, April 6, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
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Frequently asked questions
The women's basketball championship started on April 4, 2025, and ended on April 6, 2025.
The women's basketball championship took place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The teams that competed in the championship were South Carolina and UConn.
UConn won the championship with a final score of 82-59.
UConn's Azzi Fudd was the standout player of the championship game, scoring 24 points.
