The Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team has officially been recognized as one of the top 16 teams in the country by the NCAA selection committee. This achievement ensures that the Sooners will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament. This marks the second consecutive year and the third time overall under head coach Jennie Baranczyk that Oklahoma has received this honor.
On Saturday afternoon, the committee announced its top 16 teams in alphabetical order. The full NCAA Tournament bracket, detailing seeds, matchups, and dates, will be revealed at 19:00 CT on Sunday via ESPN. With this selection, Oklahoma has secured its 26th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and the fifth in a row under Baranczyk. The Sooners have achieved a top-five seed in all five of Baranczyk’s NCAA Tournament participations, tying the program’s record for consecutive tournaments as a top-five seed, a feat last accomplished from 2006 to 2010.
As the postseason approaches, Oklahoma boasts an impressive overall record of 24-7. The team is led by All-SEC selections Raegan Beers and Aaliyah Chavez, the latter being honored as ESPN’s National Freshman of the Year. Oklahoma has consistently demonstrated its prowess in the NCAA postseason, making 26 tournament appearances, with 24 occurring since 2000. The Sooners have reached three Final Fours in 2002, 2009, and 2010, as well as 11 Sweet 16s, with the most recent appearance in 2025.
The upcoming 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament will feature a 68-team field. The First Four games are scheduled for March 18-19 at four of the top-16 host sites, while the first and second rounds will take place from March 20-23 on the campuses of the top-16 seeds. Following the initial rounds, regional play will occur in a two-site format, with eight teams competing at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, and the other eight at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Regional play is set for March 27-30, culminating in regional championship games on March 29-30.
The 2026 Women’s Final Four is scheduled for April 3 and April 5 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Ticket information for all games will be released on Sunday, following the bracket reveal.
Oklahoma’s continual presence in the NCAA Tournament underscores its commitment to excellence and competitive spirit in women’s basketball.
