Basketball

USC Women’s Basketball to Compete in Las Vegas Players Era Showcase

A historic NIL‑rich event will pit the Trojans against some of college basketball's elite programs

USC Women's Basketball is set to make a marquee appearance at the Players Era Women's Showcase, a new tournament that will bring together six of the nation's top programs in Las Vegas this December. The event marks a significant milestone for the Trojans, who will join Notre Dame, Duke, UCLA, South Carolina and Texas on the court.

Showcase Format and Broadcast

Games will be played at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, with each matchup scheduled for prime evening slots. Notre Dame will meet USC on December 19 at 8 p.m. PST, while Duke will take on the Trojans on December 20 at 7 p.m. PST. The tournament will be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN2, giving fans unprecedented access to the action.

Organizers have announced a seven‑figure Name, Image and Likeness prize pool, making it the largest single‑event payout in women's college sports history. The financial incentive underscores the growing commercial momentum behind women's athletics and highlights the event's significance for student‑athletes.

USC enters the showcase with a roster that blends proven talent and fresh additions. Returning stars such as JuJu Watkins, Jazzy Davidson and Kennedy Smith will be joined by newcomers Saniyah Hall, Ryann Bennett and Pania Davis, who arrived via the transfer portal and recent recruiting classes. The mix of experience and youthful energy aims to build on the team's 18‑14 record from the previous season, which included a run to the Big Ten Tournament final and an NCAA second‑round appearance.

The 2026‑27 non‑conference slate also features games against UNLV, South Carolina and Miami, providing the Trojans with a rigorous schedule before conference play begins. Fans can purchase an all‑event pass for $109, available through AXS starting September 3, 2026, granting access to every game in the showcase.

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