- NCAA. Pau Gasol praises Aday Mara's feat of reaching the NCAA final
- NCAA. Why Michigan has the advantage over UConn as National Championship gets set
The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown in the NCAA women's national championship, as UCLA Bruins women's basketball face off against South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball in the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four title game.
Both No. 1 seeds survived a grueling March Madness path, and now only one will cut down the nets.
How to watch UCLA vs South Carolina
The national championship game will be broadcast live on ABC, giving it maximum national exposure in the United States.
Fans can also stream the game through:
- ESPN+
- ESPN App
- Live TV platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV
What time is the women's March Madness final?
The championship game tips off at:
- 3:30 p.m. ET
It's a daytime spotlight slot, continuing the NCAA's push to elevate visibility for the women's game.
UCLA vs South Carolina prediction
This matchup feels like a true heavyweight fight.
South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball enters the game with championship pedigree under head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks have been dominant defensively all tournament and bring unmatched physicality in the paint.
On the other side, UCLA Bruins women's basketball has surged at the right time. The Bruins knocked off top contenders and showed resilience in tight games, including a low-scoring Final Four win over Texas.
Key factors:
- Defense vs tempo: South Carolina thrives in half-court defense, while UCLA prefers controlled but efficient offense.
- Rebounding battle: Likely the deciding edge-South Carolina typically dominates the glass.
- Experience: The Gamecocks have been here before; UCLA is chasing a statement title.
Prediction:
South Carolina's depth and defensive pressure give them a slight edge.
- Pick: South Carolina wins, 68-60
What's at stake in the 2026 national championship?
For UCLA Bruins women's basketball, it's a chance to capture one of the program's biggest titles and cement this group in school history.
For South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball, it's about building a dynasty and adding another championship to an already dominant era under Staley.