A New Era for Women's Basketball in Texas
TCU is set to host two nonconference contests at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth as part of the Wild Horse Sports Lone Star Series, facing off against Texas and Utah State in a showcase that highlights the growing prominence of women's basketball in the state.
The series, curated by Wild Horse Sports Management, brings together elite programs to deliver high‑stakes matchups in a neutral‑site environment that promises a premium fan experience. By staging marquee games in Texas' strongest market, the event aims to accelerate interest and investment in the women's game.
The impending clash between TCU and Texas marks the latest chapter in an emerging rivalry that has already produced multiple top‑ten finishes for both squads. Since 2023, the two teams have combined for more wins than any other program in the Lone Star State, with TCU posting an 87‑22 record under head coach Mark Campbell and Texas holding a 103‑76 win‑loss slate over the past three seasons.
Their fourth meeting in as many years follows a 2025 NCAA Tournament quarterfinal victory by Texas, a 58‑47 win that added fuel to a competition that now spans four consecutive campaigns. Both programs rank among the five teams entering the 2026‑27 season with back‑to‑back 30‑win campaigns and Elite Eight appearances, underscoring the depth of talent in the region.
Utah State, now a member of the Pac‑12, makes its first appearance against TCU, a matchup that will test the Aggies' adjustment to a new conference and provide a fresh narrative for fans. The series also includes games against Georgia Tech and Mississippi State over the Thanksgiving period, with presale tickets already on offer for the Women's Funkytown Showdown.
Mark Campbell, TCU's head coach, and Dennis Kazimir, founder of Wild Horse Sports Management, are central figures driving the initiative. Their combined vision seeks to elevate the profile of women's athletics through quality competition and strategic fan engagement.
TCU enters the upcoming season with a 66‑10 combined record over the last two years and a No. 6 year‑end national ranking for 2025‑26, positioning the Horns as a formidable contender on the national stage.
The event exemplifies a broader movement to professionalize women's sports, leveraging partnerships, strategic scheduling, and community outreach to create lasting impact.