The Sprouts Farmers Market espnW Invitational will return to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 20, 2026, for a historic doubleheader that promises to reshape the early season narrative for women’s college basketball.
Virginia and Kentucky, both fresh off their first Sweet 16 runs in more than a decade, will meet on the same night for the first time since 2019, creating a storyline that fans have been waiting to unfold.
The matchup is part of an expanded format that also features a UConn versus LSU clash, building on the single‑game event that debuted in 2025 and signaling ESPNW’s commitment to a broader showcase of elite competition.
A milestone for women’s basketball
Virginia head coach Aaron Roussell said the team is eager to test itself against the nation’s best, using the event as a benchmark for progress and visibility.
Ticket sales will open this fall, with a pre‑sale accessible through www.espnWinvitational.com, giving supporters an early chance to secure seats for what is expected to be a sold‑out arena.
ESPNW vice president Susie Piotrkowski highlighted the partnership that makes the event possible, emphasizing that the growth of women’s sports depends on platforms that can deliver high‑caliber contests to a national audience.