It's time for the Madness to begin! The highly anticipated NCAA Tournament fields for both men's and women's basketball are now set, marking the start of a thrilling journey to crown a new champion in women's college basketball. This year's women's field of 68 is particularly exciting, showcasing a wealth of talent and parity among the top teams, with no single squad emerging as a dominant force. This starkly contrasts last year's tournament, where South Carolina entered as the undefeated favorite.
This season, the No. 1 seeds are UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and USC, with the Bruins claiming the top overall seed. Since the tournament's expansion in 1994, history indicates that a No. 1 seed has won the title an impressive 23 times. In contrast, No. 2 seeds have captured the championship four times, while No. 3 seeds have taken home the trophy three times, the latest being LSU in 2023. Notably, LSU returns this year as a No. 3 seed.
Another prominent contender is UConn, renowned as the winningest program in women's basketball history with a remarkable total of 11 national titles. Under the leadership of coach Geno Auriemma, who recently became the winningest coach in basketball history, the Huskies have made an incredible 15 of the last 16 Final Fours, despite not clinching a trophy since 2016.
The action for the tournament commenced on Wednesday night with two thrilling First Four games. In a standout performance, Iowa State, led by last year's breakout star Audi Crooks, triumphed over Princeton. The Cyclones now prepare to face No. 6 seed Michigan on Friday. In another remarkable upset, No. 16 seed Southern achieved its first tournament win in program history by defeating No. 16 UC San Diego. The Jaguars will now take on the formidable UCLA in their next matchup.
The First Four concluded on Thursday with Columbia and William & Mary securing their spots in the Round of 64. Columbia edged out Washington in a nail-biting finish to earn its No. 11 seed, setting up a clash against No. 6 seed West Virginia on Friday. Meanwhile, No. 16 seed William & Mary stunned the competition by defeating High Point, making history as the first sub-.500 team to win an NCAA Tournament game. They are set to face No. 1 seed Texas on Friday.
As March Madness unfolds, fans are encouraged to get their bracket pools ready and invite friends, family, and co-workers to participate. Below, you will find a viewable and printable 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament bracket, perfect for tracking the thrilling outcomes. Remember to check back frequently for updates and insights throughout the tournament.
CBS Sports will provide comprehensive coverage, including the latest news, results, and analyses of the most significant matchups. Additionally, fans are encouraged to participate in our Bracket Games, where you can compete against public players or create a private group to challenge your friends, family, or co-workers. Don’t miss out on the excitement of March Madness!
