Phoenix Selected To Host NCAA Women's Final Four In 2026

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

October 14, 2020

(PHOENIX) —Today, the NCAA announced that Phoenix is the host city for the 2026 Women's Final Four. The national semifinals will begin on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Talking Stick Resort Arena with the national championship final game taking place on Sunday, April 5.

This marks the first time that Phoenix has hosted the nation's top collegiate women's basketball championship, which has not been held in the west since 2012.

“Phoenix has earned its reputation as a top pick for the biggest championships in the nation – and we are always happy for the repeat business," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “But I am especially proud to welcome the NCAA Women's Final Four to Phoenix for the very first time. I know this is the beginning of another great sports relationship for our city."

The Valley's bid was a collaborative effort, with the city of Phoenix, Visit Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and Talking Stick Resort Arena teaming up with the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee and Arizona State University, which will serve as the collegiate host institution.

The 2026 Women's Final Four completes Arizona's resume as the nation's leading destination for major championships. The Valley will be the site of the 2023 Super Bowl and the 2024 NCAA Men's Final Four.

"The Phoenix Convention Center is proud to host the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) National Convention and official fan activities for the Women's 2026 Final Four," said Phoenix Convention Center Director John Chan. “With over one million square feet of meeting and event space, convenient access to light rail and walking distance to Talking Stick Resort Arena and major convention hotels, and surrounded by numerous dining, retail, cultural and entertainment options, the Phoenix Convention Center is the perfect backdrop to create an inspiring event experience for more than 20,000 expected attendees."

Final Four events at the Phoenix Convention Center:

• Women's Coaches Convention – the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Annual National Convention held in conjunction with the Women's Final Four will attract more than 2,000 coaches.
• Fan Festival – is an interactive and educational fan event including competitions, basketball clinics, prizes, autograph sessions, special guest appearances, trivia contests, and entertainment.
• Super Saturday Concert – is a free outdoor concert event held on the Saturday between the national semifinals and the national championship games.
• Youth Bounce – is a family-friendly community event where children take to the streets in the downtown area, bouncing basketballs from a designated starting location and ending at the NCAA Fan Festival.

Downtown Phoenix is the premier event destination for all of the official 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four fan-related events, lodging and meeting activities associated with the tournament.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.