UCLA Women’s Basketball Sets Up Landmark Home‑and‑Home Series
The Bruins are preparing for a high‑profile non‑conference slate that will see them travel to the Southwest and the Volunteer State in the 2026‑27 season. The upcoming schedule promises marquee matchups that could reshape early‑season rankings.
First up, UCLA will host Arizona at Pauley Pavilion, a venue that will be presented by Wescom Financial. The game marks the resumption of a rivalry that has seen the Bruins dominate historically, holding a 66‑24 edge over the Wildcats.
UCLA’s last encounter with Arizona came in the 2023‑24 campaign, where they posted a 61‑41 win in Tucson and secured a sweep of the two‑game series. The Bruins have now taken three straight victories over their former Pac‑12 counterpart, underscoring a period of sustained superiority.
A Return to Tennessee After Nearly Two Decades
The Bruins are also slated to make a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, in the fall of 2026, marking their first visit to the Volunteers’ home court since the 2009‑10 season. That game will close out a home‑and‑home arrangement with the Volunteers, who have been a formidable non‑conference opponent in the past.
Coach Cori Close, who has guided the program through a period of transition, is expected to lean on a deep roster that blends veteran leadership with fresh talent. Her vision for the non‑conference schedule emphasizes competitive balance and exposure to diverse playing styles.
While the full non‑conference slate will be released later this summer, the announced pairings already generate considerable buzz among analysts and fans alike. The matchups are positioned to provide the Bruins with valuable preparation ahead of Big Ten competition.
The upcoming season will also see UCLA face other traditional powerhouses, but the Arizona and Tennessee series stand out as the centerpiece of the schedule. Both games are scheduled to be played in front of capacity crowds, adding to the electric atmosphere that has become a hallmark of UCLA basketball.