Basketball

LSU Women’s Basketball Unveils 2026‑27 Schedule with Nationwide Challenge

Coach Kim Mulkey announces a rigorous slate that includes a showdown with UConn and a series of high‑profile road tests

LSU’s women’s basketball program released its full 2026‑27 schedule on August 11, 2024, sending a clear signal that the Lady Tigers are gearing up for a season that will test them from the outset. Head coach Kim Mulkey, a three‑time national champion, described the slate as “one of the toughest we’ve ever faced,” emphasizing the program’s ambition to return to the pinnacle of college basketball.

A demanding non‑conference slate

The centerpiece of the non‑conference portion is a neutral‑site showdown against powerhouse UConn in Nashville on December 20, where the Lady Tigers will meet coach Geno Auriemma and his storied program at Bridgestone Arena. The game pits two of the nation’s most decorated coaches against each other and promises a marquee television draw.

Earlier in the month, LSU will host North Carolina in the ACC/SEC Challenge on December 2, a contest that adds another layer of regional rivalry. The schedule also includes road trips to face Fairleigh Dickinson on November 19, Belmont on November 23 and Villanova on November 27, each offering a different style of play and a chance to fine‑tune before conference action begins.

Domestically, the Lady Tigers will open SEC play at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center against Vanderbilt, Texas and Oklahoma, turning the home floor into a fortress for a series of high‑stakes matchups. A true road test awaits on December 13 when LSU travels to Houston, a game that will gauge the team’s resilience on the long journey.

The SEC Tournament is slated for March 3‑7 in Greenville, South Carolina, followed by the NCAA Tournament from March 17 to April 4. After a Sweet 16 appearance the previous season, the team is eager to translate its early‑season challenges into a deep tournament run.

Before the regular season begins, LSU will stage two exhibition contests against North Texas‑Dallas on October 22 and Loyola‑New Orleans on October 29, providing a final preview of chemistry and depth. The early‑season schedule, while grueling, is designed to sharpen the squad’s competitive edge as they chase another championship.

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