The Lady Vols will return to Brooklyn for the 2025 Women’s Champions Classic, facing top competition in an exciting early-season basketball showdown.

In the world of college basketball, few events capture the attention and excitement of fans like the Women’s Champions Classic. In 2025, the Tennessee Lady Vols will make their highly anticipated return to this prestigious event, set to take place in Brooklyn, New York. This classic tournament, which regularly features some of the best programs in women’s basketball, will see Tennessee facing off against top-tier competition in what promises to be an exhilarating early-season test for the Lady Vols. For fans, players, and coaches alike, this return to the Women’s Champions Classic holds the potential to set the tone for the entire season.

The 2025 edition of the Women’s Champions Classic promises to showcase a high level of talent, both from Tennessee and their opponents, and it will be an opportunity for the Lady Vols to make a statement on a national stage. This marks the first time in several years that Tennessee has returned to the event, and it’s a moment that has fans eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting matchup. But what is it about this event that makes it such a critical fixture in the college basketball landscape, and why is it so important for the Lady Vols as they prepare for the 2025 season?

The Women’s Champions Classic: A Showcase of Elite Talent

The Women’s Champions Classic, which has become one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in women’s college basketball, is designed to bring together elite programs from across the country for an early-season showdown. The event is known for its high level of competition, drawing some of the most storied programs in women’s basketball. With teams from power conferences like the SEC, ACC, and Big 12 often participating, the Women’s Champions Classic has become a premier event that sets the tone for the upcoming season.

Tennessee’s participation in this event speaks volumes about the program’s standing in the sport. The Lady Vols have a long history of excellence in women’s basketball, and their return to the Champions Classic serves as a reminder of their continued commitment to being a top contender in the NCAA tournament. Since the days of legendary coach Pat Summitt, Tennessee has been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. While they’ve gone through some transitions in recent years, the program remains a fixture at the top of the women’s basketball world.

The 2025 Women’s Champions Classic will take place in Brooklyn, New York, at the Barclays Center, which has become one of the premier venues for major basketball events. With its modern facilities and prime location in the heart of Brooklyn, the Barclays Center provides the perfect stage for these elite teams to compete. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, as fans from all over the country converge to watch the action unfold.

For the Lady Vols, returning to Brooklyn for this high-profile event is an opportunity to showcase their talent, prove their mettle, and build momentum heading into the rest of the season. Facing top competition early on will give them a chance to test their skills against some of the best teams in the nation, and it will help the coaching staff assess where the team stands as they prepare for the long road ahead.

Tennessee’s Road to the Champions Classic: Building for the Future

For the Tennessee Lady Vols, 2025 marks an important year in their journey back to national prominence. The team has made significant strides in recent years, bolstered by a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. As they head into the 2025 Women’s Champions Classic, head coach Kellie Harper has been focused on building a balanced, versatile team capable of competing with the best in the nation.

The Lady Vols have long been known for their fast-paced, high-energy style of play. In recent seasons, they’ve made strides toward improving their offensive efficiency, while still maintaining a level of defensive intensity that has become synonymous with Tennessee basketball. The team’s ability to lock down on defense and execute on offense will be key factors in their success at the Champions Classic.

One of the defining aspects of the 2025 Lady Vols squad is their depth. With a strong mix of upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, the Lady Vols are equipped with the versatility to play multiple styles of basketball. This depth allows Harper to make strategic rotations throughout the game, keeping players fresh and ensuring that the team can maintain a high level of play for all 40 minutes.

Tennessee’s leadership has been a point of emphasis under Coach Harper. The Lady Vols have a number of experienced players who have been integral to the team’s success, including senior forward Rickea Jackson, who has been a consistent offensive threat throughout her career. Jackson’s scoring ability, leadership, and presence on the court will be pivotal for the Lady Vols in the Champions Classic. She will be expected to take on a major role, not only in scoring but also in helping to guide the team through the high-pressure moments of such a big event.

Another player to watch is sophomore point guard Jordan Walker. Walker showed great promise in her freshman season and has the potential to be one of the most dynamic guards in the nation. Her ability to run the offense, set up her teammates, and make clutch plays will be key in navigating the challenges of the Women’s Champions Classic. The Lady Vols are also bringing in some highly touted recruits, who are expected to make an immediate impact. This infusion of talent will provide the team with the energy and depth needed to compete at the highest level.

Tennessee’s first few games of the 2025 season will serve as a warm-up for the Champions Classic, but they will also be important for establishing the team’s identity. Coach Harper will use these early games to fine-tune the Lady Vols’ systems, with an eye on the upcoming challenge in Brooklyn. The coaches will focus on making sure that the team is sharp, prepared for the physical and mental demands of the Champions Classic, and ready to face some of the toughest competition they will encounter all year.

Tennessee’s Opponents: A Fierce Challenge

While the Lady Vols’ return to the Women’s Champions Classic is a major event in itself, it’s the opponents they will face that will truly define this challenge. The tournament is known for its high-level matchups, and Tennessee’s return to the event promises to bring some of the best teams in women’s basketball into the Barclays Center. The identity of Tennessee’s opponents for the 2025 Women’s Champions Classic has not yet been fully revealed, but history suggests that they will face a mix of perennial powerhouses.

Teams like South Carolina, UConn, and Stanford are often mainstays in this prestigious event, and a matchup against any of these programs would be a test for the Lady Vols. South Carolina, under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, has consistently been one of the top teams in women’s basketball, while UConn remains a national powerhouse under Geno Auriemma. Stanford, led by head coach Tara VanDerveer, has also been a force to be reckoned with, making deep runs in the NCAA tournament year after year.

Playing against such teams would not only be a great challenge but also an opportunity for the Lady Vols to prove that they belong in the conversation with the best teams in the country. The experience of facing top-tier competition early in the season will provide valuable lessons for Tennessee, helping them grow as a team and develop the resilience needed to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Tennessee will need to be at its best to compete with these elite programs. Each of these teams possesses different strengths—whether it’s South Carolina’s suffocating defense, UConn’s quick transition offense, or Stanford’s well-rounded game plan. The Lady Vols will have to adjust their strategy accordingly, relying on their depth, versatility, and execution to keep up with the pace of play and take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

The Significance of the Women’s Champions Classic for Tennessee

For the Lady Vols, the Women’s Champions Classic is more than just another game. It’s an opportunity to gain national exposure, challenge themselves against the best teams, and make an early statement about their potential for the rest of the season. While the outcome of the game will be important, the experience itself will provide invaluable insights into how Tennessee measures up against the nation’s elite.

The competition in the Champions Classic will also allow the Lady Vols to prepare for the high-stakes environment of postseason basketball. In March, the NCAA tournament will bring similar challenges, with each game being a win-or-go-home scenario. The ability to stay focused, execute under pressure, and adapt to different styles of play will be crucial when the stakes are raised later in the season.

Moreover, playing in front of a large and passionate crowd in Brooklyn will serve as a reminder of the high expectations surrounding the program. Tennessee has a storied history in women’s basketball, and the Lady Vols are expected to continue that tradition. The Women’s Champions Classic provides a chance to put Tennessee’s program back on the map as a legitimate contender for the national title.

 A Game to Remember

The Lady Vols’ return to the Women’s Champions Classic in 2025 is a highly anticipated event for fans, players, and the Tennessee basketball program. With top competition, a talented roster, and a coach who has been focused on returning Tennessee to the national spotlight, the Lady Vols are poised for a successful season. The experience in Brooklyn will serve as an invaluable opportunity to gauge the team’s progress, compete at the highest level, and build momentum for the remainder of the season. Whether they win or lose, the Women’s Champions Classic will be a defining moment in Tennessee’s 2025 season—one that could set the tone for the journey to the NCAA tournament and beyond.