How to watch March Madness women’s Final Four
March is kind of a wild month—it’s got a little bit of everything. At first glance, Women’s History Month and March Madness might feel like an odd pairing but lately, they actually go hand in hand. Thanks to the Caitlin Clark effect (you know the one), women’s college basketball has been booming. In fact, in 2024, the women’s NCAA championship game drew more viewers than the men’s for the first time ever. Will that momentum continue this year? We’re about to find out. The Final Four is here, and UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and UConn are all ready to bring it. Here’s what you need to know—and how to catch every minute of the action.
When and where is the Women’s Final Four?
The action is taking place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, Friday, April 4. First, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Texas Longhorns will battle it out at 7 p.m. ET. Then the UCLA Bruins will face the UConn Huskies for the remaining spot in the championship game at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Players and coaches to watch
As the defending champion, South Carolina, wants back-to-back titles. Head coach Dawn Staley’s roster is a mix of developmental talent and experienced players which may prove to be a deadly weapon. Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts, and MiLaysia Fulwiley are eager to prove themselves on the national stage. Sometimes, you don’t need a household-name superstar to win it all.
Madison Booker and the Texas Longhorns want to stop this crew. The team hasn’t seen the Final Four since 2003. The organization only has a single championship under its belt.
Lauren Betts started her college basketball career at Stanford but left to become a Bruin after freshman year. At 6 feet 7 inches, she’s an imposing figure to guard. Led by Coach Cori Close, this is the first time UCLA has been in the Final Four since 1979, which was before the NCAA sponsored women’s basketball. The team is hopeful that the party doesn’t stop here, but not if Paige Bueckers has anything to say about it.
One could argue Bueckers has filled the void left by Clark at the collegiate level. If she’s successful in the Final Four she will have the opportunity to surpass her predecessor by winning a national championship. This UConn Guard wants to help her team go all the way especially since the organization has not accomplished this feat since 2016.
How to tune in
Traditional cable subscribers can tune in to ESPN to watch all the free throws and three-pointers. Those who cut the cord can turn to a live television streaming service that carries ESPN such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream.
Both Final Four games are evenly matched with no clear front-runners so the competition is sure to be fierce.