The University of Cincinnati announced its 2026‑27 women’s basketball non‑conference schedule, a 13‑game lineup that blends home contests, road trips and overseas competition.
The Bearcats will play seven of those games at Fifth Third Arena, giving fans a chance to see the team in front of a home crowd throughout the early stretch of the season.
Opening night showdown
The season opens on November 4 with an exhibition against East Texas A&M, a matchup that will pit head coach Katrina Merriweather against her former teammate Valerie King.
Following the opener, Cincinnati will host Penn State on November 7 and Saint Joseph’s on November 11, providing early tests against Big Ten and Atlantic 10 opponents.
The Bearcats then embark on a pair of road trips, traveling to face UMES on November 15 and Western Carolina on November 18 before returning home to take on UNLV on November 21.
International test in Cancun
International play begins later in the month as the team participates in the Cancun Challenge from November 26 to 28, where it will meet Miami (Ohio) and Minnesota in Mexico.
December brings a series of home games against Bellarmine on December 2, Ball State on December 4 and IU Indy on December 12, before the schedule shifts to a road game at Toledo on December 6.
The season culminates with the traditional Crosstown Shootout at Xavier on December 15, a rivalry that adds extra excitement for the fan base.
Overall, the non‑conference slate offers a demanding mix of home court advantage, challenging away environments and global exposure, setting the stage for a competitive campaign.