March Madness is officially here! The field for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set, and fans everywhere are preparing their brackets for what promises to be an exhilarating competition. With 68 teams battling for the championship, the tournament is filled with excitement, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
Unlike last year, when South Carolina entered the tournament as an undefeated powerhouse, this season has seen more parity among the top teams. The No. 1 seeds for 2025 are UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and USC, with UCLA earning the coveted top overall seed. Historically, No. 1 seeds have dominated the tournament, winning 23 championships since the field expanded in 1994. However, surprises have happened—LSU, for instance, won the title in 2023 as a No. 3 seed, a spot the team holds again this year.
South Carolina’s Reaction to Their Seeding
Despite earning a No. 1 seed, South Carolina’s legendary head coach, Dawn Staley, expressed disappointment in not receiving the top overall seed. She questioned the selection committee’s decision, stating that her team had built a schedule that warranted the No. 1 ranking.
“We’re going to play it, [but] obviously it’s disappointing,” Staley said. “I’d like to get some feedback on how they came to that conclusion because we put together, we manufactured a schedule that if done right, it should produce the overall No. 1 seed. But I will say this, we’re going to make adjustments to our schedule in the future if the standard is the standard. If that’s the standard, we can play any schedule and get the No. 1 seed.”
UConn’s Pursuit of History
One of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball, UConn, holds the No. 2 seed in its region. The Huskies, led by Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma, have won a record 11 national titles. Auriemma, who recently became the winningest coach in basketball history, aims to lead his team back to the top after not securing a championship since 2016. Despite recent struggles, UConn has reached 15 of the last 16 Final Fours, making them a perennial contender in the tournament.
First Four Action and Early Results
The tournament tipped off with the First Four games on Wednesday, setting the stage for the main event. Iowa State, featuring last year’s standout star Audi Crooks, secured a victory over Princeton. This win propels the Cyclones into a matchup against No. 6 seed Michigan on Friday. Meanwhile, Southern University made history by claiming its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, defeating UC San Diego in a thrilling contest. The Jaguars now face a major test against No. 1 seed UCLA.
Where to Get Your Bracket and Follow the Action
March Madness is more fun when you join the competition! Below, you’ll find a printable version of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket. Fill out your picks and see if you can predict the winner. Don’t forget to check back frequently for updates, results, and in-depth breakdowns of the biggest matchups.
CBS Sports will provide full coverage throughout the tournament, including expert analysis, live updates, and game recaps. Whether you’re watching on TV, streaming on your favorite device, or tracking scores on the go, we’ve got you covered.
Additionally, make sure to join our Bracket Games! Compete against the public or create a group to challenge your friends, family, and co-workers. There’s no better way to experience March Madness than by seeing how your picks stack up against the rest.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. With powerhouse programs, potential Cinderella stories, and elite talent on display, fans are in for a thrilling ride. Get your brackets ready, follow the action, and enjoy the madness!
About the Author
