A historic rivalry returns
The University of Michigan women's basketball program is slated to headline the 2026 Women's Champions Classic, a showcase event that will bring together four elite teams in New York. Michigan will square off against Oklahoma at Barclays Center on December 5, 2026, a date that also features a Maryland‑Connecticut clash later that afternoon. This matchup marks the fourth meeting between the Wolverines and the Sooners, a series that Oklahoma has dominated in its first three encounters.
Returning firepower and new challenges
Coach Kim Barnes Arico will welcome back a core group of starters from last season's Elite Eight run, including Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, Te'Yala Delfosse and Ashley Sofilkanich. Their experience should provide a solid foundation as the team prepares for the high‑stakes contest against a program that has already proven its mettle in previous meetings, most recently at the 2024 Jumpman Invitational where Oklahoma edged Michigan 72‑62.
Ticket information and broadcast details
Fans eager to witness the action can secure upper‑bowl seats for the November 5 non‑conference game against UConn at Crisler Arena, where tickets start at $26 each and are limited to eight per purchase. Season ticket holders will have a renewal window from June 10 to June 24 to lock in their seats. Both games will be broadcast live on Fox, with the Michigan‑Oklahoma contest scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip‑off and the Maryland‑Connecticut game set for 4:30 p.m.
The upcoming schedule also includes a marquee non‑conference showdown at Crisler Arena on November 5, where the Wolverines will host the Huskies before heading to New York for the Champions Classic. Limited single‑admission tickets for both events are currently available through Ticketmaster, offering supporters a chance to be part of what promises to be a memorable season opener for Michigan women's basketball.