North Carolina’s women’s basketball program has released its non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 season, a slate that blends home‑court excitement with a series of high‑profile road tests.
International Opener in Paris
The Tar Heels will open the season abroad, facing Oklahoma in Paris, France, on November 2 as part of the Oui‑Play event. The matchup marks the team’s first ever game outside the United States and sets a global tone for the campaign.
A short week later, Carolina will host South Carolina in Charlotte at the Spectrum Center on November 8, renewing the rivalry between the two powerhouses of the Carolinas.
The team’s home opener is slated for November 11 against NC Central at Carmichael Arena, kicking off a stretch that will see nine home games spread across the season.
Carolina’s first true road test comes on November 14 at Penn in Philadelphia, where the squad will look to translate its early chemistry into a win.
Orlando’s WBCA Challenge
In November, the Tar Heels travel to Orlando for the WBCA Challenge, where they are slated to meet Texas Tech on November 19 and Alabama on November 21, providing a tough early‑season gauntlet.
Later in the month, Carolina will host a three‑game homestand featuring Gardner‑Webb, Army and Brown, giving the newcomers a chance to settle into the rotation.
The annual SEC/ACC Challenge brings LSU to Chapel Hill on December 2, adding another marquee opponent to the schedule.
Before the holiday break, the Tar Heels will entertain Elon on December 6, Winthrop on December 9 and Norfolk State on December 21, before concluding non‑conference play with a road game at UNCW on December 28.
Roster and Recent Success
The Tar Heels are coming off back‑to‑back Sweet 16 appearances, entering year eight of the Banghart era with eight returning players and four transfers. Highly touted recruits Noelle Bofia and Kate Harpring will join the mix, adding depth and versatility as the team looks to build on recent momentum.
With a schedule that tests them early and often, the team hopes the experience gained will translate into a strong push toward the ACC tournament and beyond.