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2d ago

Villanova, Notre Dame to Open 2026–27 Season in Rome With Men’s–Women’s Doubleheader

The Rome showcase links the schools’ Catholic identity with a growing move to stage college games overseas.

Tourists visit the American Studies center courtyard adorned with Ancient Roman statues, in Rome, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Devin Askew of the Villanova Wildcats goes for a layup against Utah State during the NCAA Basketball Tournament in March.
Villanova, Notre Dame Hoops Off to Rome for 'Eternal City Tip-Off' Season Opener
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Overview

  • Event organizers from both schools announced Friday the Eternal City Tip‑Off for Nov. 1, 2026, with the men on FOX at 9:30 a.m. ET and the women on FS1 at noon.
  • Plans include a papal audience with Pope Leo XIV and a shared Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, reflecting that the first American‑born pope is a Villanova graduate.
  • Venue and general ticketing details will be released later, while On Location is selling official travel packages that bundle premium seating, tours, exclusive events and refundable deposit priority access.
  • The matchup is scheduled for Nov. 1 under a reported NCAA waiver that allows play one day before the formal season start on Nov. 2.
  • Organizers are billing the Rome doubleheader as a first‑of‑its‑kind international season opener for men’s college basketball, part of a broader shift toward more overseas NCAA games.