At its annual fall meeting this week in Indianapolis, the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee received an update on planning for the 2025 Women's Final Four from the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee while reviewing planning efforts for the upcoming season and championship.
The Tampa Bay area will play host to the Women's Final Four for a record fourth time, with games taking place April 4 and 6 at Amalie Arena. The committee received an update on recovery efforts in Tampa, Florida, after the hurricanes and other severe weather that recently passed through the area, with planning moving ahead for the marquee event.The Tampa Bay LOC noted that the city has quickly returned to normal operations, with key facilities like the airport, arena and schools fully operational. Numerous planned initiatives are in place to support and elevate the community.
"Our thoughts are certainly with our friends in Tampa and the surrounding area. It was helpful getting reassurance and an update on planning efforts for the 2025 Women's Final Four," said Derita Dawkins, chair of the committee and Arkansas assistant vice chancellor and deputy director of athletics. "We look forward to Tampa hosting another great championship experience in April."
As part of its preparation for the 2024-25 regular season and championship, the committee received a broadcast update that included programming details regarding the upcoming season on the ESPN family of networks. A pair of committee top 16 reveal shows are planned again this season. While networks are still being decided, the reveal shows are being planned for noon Eastern time Feb. 16 as part of College Game Day and at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time Feb. 27.
The 68 teams participating in the 2025 championship will be announced on Selection Sunday, March 16, as part of the ESPN selection show at 8 p.m. Eastern time. For the 22nd consecutive year, ESPN platforms will exclusively present all games of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship, with ABC broadcasting the national championship game for the third straight season.
The fall meeting also provided an opportunity for the committee to address continued short- and long-term discussions around elevating the student-athlete and fan experience, growth of the women's basketball fan base and audience, and next steps in strengthening operational and financial performances.
The committee continued to discuss possible bracket expansion, although expanding the 68-team field is not imminent.
The committee also reviewed initial feedback from a recent membership survey on the First Four/first- and second-round format, with additional opportunities for the membership to provide input expected in coming months. The committee will continue its ongoing review of various format models (e.g., predetermined versus nonpredetermined sites for early rounds) in relation to the long-term strategic planning for the tournament. On Dec. 2, the bid portal will open for member schools interested in hosting the nonpredetermined First Four and first and second rounds of the 2025 championship as a top 16 seed, with an emphasis on hotel quality and hotel/hosting venue availability.
