Arizona's women's basketball program is set to travel to Los Angeles on November 12, 2026, to open a home‑and‑home series against UCLA at the iconic Pauley Pavilion. The game will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2024 and will kick off a schedule that runs through the 2027‑28 season.
A historic rivalry renewed
The Wildcats and Bruins have faced each other more than 80 times in their storied histories, a testament to the long‑standing competitiveness of the Pac‑12 conference. Arizona's last encounter with a defending national champion came in January 2022 against Stanford, while UCLA enters the 2026‑27 season as the reigning champion with a 37‑1 record from the previous year.
UCLA captured its first NCAA championship in program history under head coach Cori Close in 2026, cementing the team's status as the nation's top squad. The Bruins' dominant 2025‑26 campaign featured a 37‑1 record and showcased a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent that will be on display when they host Arizona.
Arizona will be guided by Becky Burke, who begins her second season as head coach. Burke's presence adds a new narrative to the matchup, as she looks to build on the foundation she established in her debut year and steer the Wildcats toward a deep postseason run.
Looking ahead
The Wildcats are slated to host Southeast Missouri State on December 9, 2026, for their annual Field Trip Day game, a tradition that draws large crowds to the campus arena. Arizona's complete 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule will be released the following week, providing further insight into the team's roadmap toward the NCAA tournament.
The upcoming series against UCLA not only highlights the growing visibility of women's basketball but also serves as a benchmark for future home‑and‑home arrangements across the sport. Fans can expect a high‑stakes contest that will likely influence both teams' seeding and momentum as they navigate the remainder of their schedules.