• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Conference Realignment, Star Power Shape Women’s March Madness

Three of the four No. 1 seeds in the women’s NCAA tournament bracket are new to their conference, showcasing realignment’s impact on March Madness.

The Indianapolis Star

March Madness will be greatly impacted by the influence of conference realignment in the women’s NCAA tournament.

Three of the four No. 1 seeds are teams playing their first season in a new conference: Texas in the SEC and USC and UCLA in the Big Ten.

The USC-UCLA Big Ten women’s tournament championship game last Sunday averaged 1.44 million viewers on CBS, the second-most-watched iteration of the title game behind last year’s game featuring Caitlin Clark and Iowa against Nebraska, which drew 3.02 million. Meanwhile, the South Carolina–Texas SEC championship game averaged 1.3 million viewers on ESPN. The Gamecocks, defending national champions, are the fourth No. 1 seed.

Each of those championship games would be set for rematches in the Final Four if each top seed advances out of their quadrant.

Like They Never Left

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley became the highest-paid coach in the history of women’s college basketball after signing a contract extension in January that pays her $4 million annually. 

The Gamecocks, who enter the tournament with a 30–3 record, won’t be able to match their perfect 38–0 mark from last season, but are still the betting favorites to win the national championship at most sportsbooks.

However, No. 2 UConn is right behind South Carolina, and even favored at some books. A meeting between the Gamecocks and Huskies could only come in the national title game.

New Era for Iowa

Iowa has made it back to the NCAA tournament in its first season without Clark, earning a No. 6 seed.

It will be a much tougher road to the national championship game, where the Hawkeyes lost each of the past two tournaments as a No. 1 seed. Iowa will play No. 11 Murray State in the first round.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back AK Dear (0) tries to outrun Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Despite Vote Delay, SCORE Act Negotiations Continue on Capitol Hill

Political ad campaigns during college football Saturdays continue as well.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 13, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) carries the football against South Florida Bulls cornerback Ben Knox (1) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.

NCAA Eliminates Spring Transfer Portal Window

The change is aimed at curbing the system of “unrestricted free agency.”
Sep 12, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Rose Bowl.
September 15, 2025

UCLA-Tennessee QB Trade Has Been Painful So Far

Iamaleava abruptly left Tennessee for UCLA this past offseason.
Sep 12, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; New Mexico Lobos quarterback Jack Layne (2) reacts after his team scored a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl.
September 15, 2025

UCLA Paid New Mexico $1.2 Million for Friday’s Loss: Payout Game Tracker

The Bruins weren’t the only Power-4 school to lose a buy game and fire their coach.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

College Football’s Costly Start for Virginia Tech, UCLA: Coaches Out

UCLA and Virginia Tech fire their coaches while Notre Dame slumps badly.
Mar 4, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks with Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., ahead of President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 2025.
September 11, 2025

House Republicans Delay SCORE Act Vote Tentatively Planned for Next Week

They didn’t believe they had enough votes to pass the bill.
Jan 25, 2023; Langley, British Columbia, CAN; Highlights from the CHL Kubota Top Prospects game at the Langley Events Centre
September 10, 2025

NCAA Hockey Scouts Denied Passes for Crucial Recruiting League

The CHL won’t welcome scouts on passes: “It comes across as petty.”
Feb 17, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs guard Jalen Weaver (5) during the first half against the Boise State Broncos at ExtraMile Arena.
September 10, 2025

NCAA Bans 3 Basketball Players for Violating Betting Rules Last Season

The former San Jose State and Fresno State players have lost eligibility.