Las Vegas will become the epicenter of women’s college basketball in December 2026 as the Players Era Women’s Basketball Showcase takes over the Michelob ULTRA Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The two‑day event, scheduled for December 19 and 20, will bring together six of the nation’s elite programs in a non‑conference tournament that organizers have billed as the premier showcase for the sport.
Broadcast and Ticket Details
All six games will be streamed live on ESPN and ESPN2, giving the matchups a national audience that promises to rival any regular‑season college contest. Fans can purchase All‑Tournament Passes starting at $109, with pre‑sales opening through school channels, AXS, and MGM Rewards before a public sale slated for September 3, 2026.
The schedule features a marquee slate of games. On Saturday, December 19, the action begins at 3 p.m. PT with Duke facing Texas, followed by UCLA taking on South Carolina at 5:30 p.m. PT and Notre Dame versus USC at 8 p.m. PT. Sunday’s lineup includes Texas versus UCLA at 2 p.m. PT, Notre Dame against South Carolina at 4:30 p.m. PT, and a finale of USC versus Duke at 7 p.m. PT.
UCLA Head Coach Cori Close highlighted the significance of the tournament, emphasizing the excitement of rematches with South Carolina and Texas and the opportunity to test her team against top‑tier competition. "Returning to this event is a big deal for our program," Close said, noting that the showcase provides a unique platform to celebrate the growth of women’s basketball and to deliver high‑profile matchups that resonate with fans and media alike.
Beyond the on‑court drama, the showcase aims to cement its status as the go‑to non‑conference event for women’s basketball, attracting sponsors, media outlets, and a growing fan base eager for competitive, high‑stakes games. With elite teams, national broadcast exposure, and a strategic location in Las Vegas, the 2026 Players Era Showcase is poised to become a cornerstone of the sport’s calendar.