Due to a new format implemented this year, we didn't have to wait until Selection Sunday to find out if the UNC women's basketball program would host NCAA Tournament games for a second consecutive year.
The Tar Heels will be in Chapel Hill to kick off this year's event, and we now know who will be traveling to Carmichael Arena to join them.
UNC faces tough road ahead in Regional 1
Claiming the No. 4 seed in Regional 1- Fort Worth, the Tar Heels will place the No. 13-seeded Western Illinois on Friday in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The Road to Phoenix - Runs through Carmichael Arena.
— Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) March 16, 2026
🎟️ | https://t.co/FcdZxIC8X1 pic.twitter.com/V0MTfvBDsU
Along with Western Illinois, Maryland, and Murray State are the other two teams heading to Chapel Hill to kick off NCAA Tournament play. The winner of the matchup between the Terrapins and the Racers is slated to take on the winnerof North Carolina/Western Illinois on Sunday at Carmichael Arena.
The bracket is LOADED
The Fort Worth Regional is absolutely LOADED!
UConn, the No. 1 overall seed and the defending national champions, holds down the top spot in this region, but there are plenty of teams who can challenge the Huskies.
The No. 2-seeded Vanderbilt Commodores played a tough conference schedule and won't be intimidated by playing against top-tier competition. Ohio State (No. 3 seed), North Carolina (No. 4 seed), Maryland (No. 5 seed), and Notre Dame (No. 6) all have had strong runs late in the season and have something to prove this postseason.
Let's not forget Audi Crooks and Iowa State as a potential round two matchup for UConn.
The focus remains the same
Win on Friday.
You need to control the controllables, and that's exactly what Courtney Banghart and the Tar Heels aim to do. The goal is to win two more games at home before hitting the road to keep the journey to Phoenix alive.
It's time for the Tar Heels to make a statement!