The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will feature 68 teams, with top programs competing in a single-elimination format, culminating in the Final Four and Championship.

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to be one of the most exciting and competitive events in the history of women’s sports. As the tournament approaches, anticipation is building across the country as top programs and emerging teams prepare for a shot at the coveted national championship. With 68 teams entering the tournament, the stakes have never been higher, and the road to the Final Four will be filled with intense competition, incredible performances, and memorable moments.

This year’s tournament promises to be an action-packed spectacle, bringing together the best players in women’s basketball for a thrilling, single-elimination battle. As we look ahead to the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, it is important to examine the key teams, players, and storylines that will shape the tournament and determine which team will ultimately claim the championship.

The Format: 68 Teams, Single-Elimination Drama

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will follow a familiar format, with 68 teams from across the country vying for the national title. These teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament, meaning that every game is crucial, and one loss can end a team’s championship hopes. The tournament is structured to include 32 automatic bids, granted to the winners of each conference tournament, while 36 at-large bids will be awarded based on performance during the regular season and conference play.

The tournament will begin with the First Four, where the lowest-ranked teams will battle it out for a spot in the round of 64. From there, the competition intensifies with the first round, followed by the second round, the Sweet 16, and the Elite Eight. The culmination of the tournament will come in the Final Four, where the four remaining teams will compete for a chance to play in the national championship game.

The championship game will take place at the end of a high-pressure, high-stakes tournament, where the best teams in women’s college basketball will have battled through adversity, competition, and the pressure of March Madness. The single-elimination format means that each game can be a potential upset, and Cinderella stories are always possible.

Top Contenders for the 2025 NCAA Championship

Several top programs enter the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament as clear favorites, but as with every March Madness, the unpredictability of the tournament is part of what makes it so thrilling. Let’s take a look at some of the key teams and players who will be contenders for the national title.

1. South Carolina Gamecocks

Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the South Carolina Gamecocks have firmly established themselves as one of the most dominant programs in women’s basketball. Having already won the national championship in 2017 and making multiple Final Four appearances, South Carolina enters the 2025 tournament as a heavy favorite.

A major reason for South Carolina’s success is their roster of exceptional players. Aliyah Boston, who is considered one of the best players in the country, will be at the forefront of their national title chase. Boston, a two-time national player of the year, is a dominant force in the post and can take over a game both offensively and defensively. Alongside her, guard Zia Cooke, known for her scoring ability, will provide South Carolina with a potent backcourt. With a combination of veteran leadership and young talent, South Carolina will be a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.

2. UConn Huskies

The UConn Huskies are another powerhouse team that will enter the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament with high expectations. Under legendary head coach Geno Auriemma, UConn has won an incredible 11 national championships, and they are always a team to watch during March Madness.

While UConn may not have the same level of dominance as in years past, the team remains one of the most well-rounded in the nation. With a blend of experienced upperclassmen and young talent, the Huskies have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. Players like Paige Bueckers, who has the ability to be a game-changer, will be crucial for UConn’s success. Bueckers is one of the most dynamic guards in college basketball and will be key in leading UConn through the pressure-packed tournament.

3. Stanford Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal, led by head coach Tara VanDerveer, are perennial contenders in the NCAA Tournament. Stanford is coming off a 2021 national championship and is looking to add to its storied history with another title run in 2025. The Cardinal have a deep and talented roster, with players like Cameron Brink and Haley Jones poised to lead the team deep into March Madness.

Stanford’s success has been built on a balanced offensive and defensive approach. Brink, known for her shot-blocking ability and offensive versatility, will be a key player for the Cardinal. Haley Jones, a versatile forward, brings leadership, basketball IQ, and scoring ability to the table. With a mix of experience and youth, Stanford is poised for another deep run and will undoubtedly be one of the most formidable opponents in the tournament.

4. Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears, under the leadership of head coach Nicki Collen, are always a team to be reckoned with. Baylor has a rich tradition of success, with multiple national championships to its name, including a recent 2019 title. With a roster of talented players and a deep commitment to defense and efficiency, Baylor is looking to return to the national championship game in 2025.

Baylor’s top players, including NaLyssa Smith and Sarah Andrews, are key to the team’s success. Smith, who has been a dominant force in the post, is capable of carrying the Bears in key moments. Andrews, a talented guard, provides scoring and playmaking ability that can elevate Baylor’s offensive performance. The combination of these stars and a strong supporting cast gives Baylor a solid chance to make a deep tournament run.

5. Louisville Cardinals

The Louisville Cardinals are consistently one of the top teams in women’s college basketball, and the 2025 tournament will be no exception. Head coach Jeff Walz has built a program that thrives on defense, efficient scoring, and toughness. The Cardinals have an exciting blend of talent on both ends of the floor, and their ability to compete with the best makes them a threat in March.

Guard Hailey Van Lith is one of Louisville’s standout players and one of the top players in the nation. Van Lith’s ability to score, handle the ball, and create opportunities for her teammates makes her a player to watch during the tournament. With a team that plays hard-nosed defense and is capable of playing with the best in the country, Louisville will be a team that no one can overlook.

Potential Cinderella Teams and Storylines

While the top teams in the country will undoubtedly be the focus of attention, the NCAA Tournament is also famous for producing Cinderella stories—teams that exceed expectations and make surprising runs deep into the tournament. These underdog teams can be a source of inspiration and excitement, as they often play with a chip on their shoulder and defy the odds. Some potential Cinderella teams in the 2025 tournament include:

1. Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State has been steadily improving under head coach Bill Fennelly, and their mix of experienced players and strong team chemistry makes them a dangerous opponent. The Cyclones have the ability to upset higher-ranked teams and make a deep run in the tournament.

2. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan has been rising as a top contender in recent years and has a strong team heading into the 2025 tournament. With players like Leigha Brown and Naz Hillmon leading the charge, the Wolverines have the talent to cause problems for any team.

3. Maryland Terrapins

Maryland, with its explosive offense and talented players, is another team that could make a surprise run. The Terrapins are capable of playing with anyone and have the potential to knock off higher-seeded teams as they seek their second national title.

Key Players to Watch in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament

The success of the teams in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will ultimately come down to the performances of the individual players. Here are some of the top players to keep an eye on during the tournament:

• Aliyah Boston (South Carolina): A dominant force in the post, Boston has the ability to control a game both offensively and defensively. She is one of the top players in the country and a key player for South Carolina’s championship aspirations.
• Paige Bueckers (UConn): Bueckers is one of the most talented and electrifying guards in college basketball. Her ability to score, create for others, and make clutch plays makes her a key player for UConn’s title hopes.
• Cameron Brink (Stanford): Brink is an elite shot blocker and a versatile offensive player who can impact the game in numerous ways. She will be crucial to Stanford’s success in the tournament.
• NaLyssa Smith (Baylor): Smith is a dominant force in the paint and one of the most skilled players in the country. Her ability to dominate in the post and contribute on both ends of the floor makes her a key player for Baylor.
• Hailey Van Lith (Louisville): Van Lith is a dynamic guard who can score in a variety of ways and has the ability to take over a game when needed. She will be pivotal to Louisville’s chances of advancing deep in the tournament.

 A Tournament to Remember

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, showcasing the best of women’s college basketball. With top teams like South Carolina, UConn, Stanford, Baylor, and Louisville, the competition will be fierce, and the road to the Final Four will be filled with drama, excitement, and incredible performances. As the tournament unfolds, the storylines surrounding the top players and teams will captivate fans and create new memories in the history of women’s basketball.

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament begins, fans will be treated to a high level of competition and the opportunity to witness some of the most talented players in the world. Whether it’s the dominance of a powerhouse team or the rise of a Cinderella story, this year’s tournament will be a showcase of the best that college basketball has to offer.