Basketball

Purdue Women’s Basketball Unveils 2026‑27 Big Ten slate

Home games against UCLA, Michigan, Minnesota and Maryland headline a demanding conference schedule

Purdue's women's basketball program announced its complete home and road slate for the 2026‑27 Big Ten season, marking the first full conference schedule under head coach Katie Gearlds.

Conference Format and Schedule Structure

Each Big Ten team will contest 18 conference games, with nine played at home and nine on the road. The balanced approach ensures that every program faces the same mix of opponents while preserving traditional rivalries.

At Mackey Arena, Purdue will host UCLA, Michigan, Minnesota and Maryland, four of the conference's most competitive programs, providing a formidable test for the Boilermakers early in the season.

The road portion of the schedule takes Purdue to Iowa, Ohio State and Illinois, three programs that have consistently ranked among the top tier of the Big Ten in recent years.

Non‑Conference Highlights and West Coast Trips

In addition to the conference slate, Purdue is arranging matchups against Oregon and Washington on the West Coast, offering opportunities to gauge the team against diverse playing styles before Big Ten play begins.

Recent Performance and Tournament Seed

The Boilermakers concluded the 2025‑26 campaign with a 13‑17 overall record, going 8‑4 in non‑conference games and 5‑13 within the Big Ten. Their effort earned a No. 14 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, where they fell to Oregon in the opening round.

Key contributors such as Avery Gordon and McKenna Layden are expected to play pivotal roles as the team builds chemistry ahead of the new season, while Coach Gearlds continues to shape the program's identity.

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