The University of Louisville women's basketball program is set to make its second appearance in the Great Alaska Shootout, a four‑team showcase that gathers top mid‑major programs for a compact, high‑stakes weekend in Anchorage. The Cardinals will join Alaska Anchorage, Seattle, and Chicago State in a tournament that promises early‑season drama and a chance to test the team against diverse playing styles.
Tournament schedule
The Cardinals will open their campaign on the evening of November 21, meeting Alaska Anchorage at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Earlier that same day, Seattle and Chicago State will square off at 9:15 p.m. ET in the opening round. The championship game is slated for November 22 at 6 p.m. ET, with the third‑place contest concluding the tournament at 8:30 p.m. ET.
A look back at the Cardinals' previous appearance
Louisville last traveled to the Great Alaska Shootout in 1999, where they opened with a victory over Alaska Anchorage before falling to Kansas in the championship game. That remains the only other time the Cardinals have faced Alaska‑based competition, and they have yet to meet Seattle or Chicago State in program history.
The upcoming matchup adds a new chapter to the team's non‑conference slate, which will be completed once the full schedule is released in September. The coaching staff has highlighted the value of early‑season travel as an opportunity to assess depth, develop chemistry, and build momentum heading into conference play.
What's next for the Cardinals
With the Great Alaska Shootout providing an early test, the Cardinals will turn their focus to the upcoming conference schedule. The complete slate, including both non‑conference and league opponents, will be unveiled in September, giving fans a full view of the road ahead and the challenges that lie ahead for the program.