Duke’s women’s basketball program has released its nonconference schedule for the 2026‑27 season, a 11‑game slate that promises a rigorous test early in the campaign.
A demanding opening stretch
The Blue Devils open the season on November 3 at Cameron Indoor Stadium against Green Bay, setting the tone for a schedule that blends familiar foes with marquee matchups.
Early‑season road trips will also take Duke to face North Texas, Norfolk State, Marshall and Fordham, while a home game against Columbia follows shortly after.
The centerpiece of the nonconference slate is a December 16 showdown with UCLA, one of the three 2026 Final Four teams that Duke will meet, alongside another contest against South Carolina later in the month.
Two additional games are slated for December 19 and 20 as part of the Players Era Championship, though dates for those opponents remain to be determined.
Building on recent success
The announcement comes after a 27‑9 season in which Duke captured both the ACC regular‑season and tournament titles before falling in the Elite Eight to the eventual national champion UCLA.
Head coach Kara Lawson, now in her seventh year at the helm, will rely on the return of three starters and nine overall players from that squad, while welcoming Texas transfer Aaliyah Crump and a quartet of freshmen to the roster.
The blend of experienced returnees and new talent aims to translate the program’s recent momentum into a deep run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Fans can expect a schedule that not only challenges the team but also offers a compelling narrative as the Blue Devils seek to extend their ascent under Lawson’s leadership.