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.
“This is a first for Phoenix and a first for Arizona, and it couldn’t come at a better time,”
said Mayor Kate Gallego. “We welcome this much needed good news, that’s for sure.
Even better is the fact that we are able to bring positive news for the hospitality
business downtown and look to the future with hope.”
The Valley's bid was a collaborative effort, with the City of Phoenix, Visit Phoenix, the
Phoenix Suns and 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 1
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 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 official 2026 NCAA Women’s
Final Four fan-related events, lodging and meeting activities associated with
tournament.