Villanova and Notre Dame Set for Historic Doubleheader in Rome
In a notable development for college basketball, Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a unique agreement to kick off the 2026-27 season with a doubleheader featuring both men’s and women’s teams in Rome. This event is set for November 1, the day prior to the official start of the season—an occurrence that the NCAA has reportedly authorized as a special exception.
Significance of the Location
The significance of the location is underscored by the fact that Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus who graduated in 1977, has ties to both universities, which share a Catholic heritage. Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo has a closer connection to Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, where many devoted Fighting Irish fans reside.
The relationship between the two schools has a historical context; Villanova and Notre Dame were both part of the Big East Conference from 1995 until 2013. However, post-2013, their matchups have dwindled, particularly as Notre Dame transitioned to the ACC for non-football sports and hasn’t faced Villanova in men’s basketball since 2016 or in women’s basketball since 2018.
Details of the Event
According to CBS Sports, which broke the news, the exact role of the Pope in this athletic occasion remains uncertain.
The games will be held at the Palazzetto dello Sport, an arena with a seating capacity of 3,500, and they will be broadcast on Fox, seamlessly transitioning into the network’s NFL programming scheduled for that Sunday.
Recent Performance of the Teams
This doubleheader marks the second time in just a few seasons that Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team will initiate the season on European soil, having previously played in Paris against South Carolina, where they suffered a loss of 100-71 to the eventual national champions in November 2023.
Speaking of teams, Notre Dame’s women’s program, renowned for its storied history which includes two national championships and five Final Four appearances, is currently facing challenges this season with a record of 15 wins and 9 losses. Conversely, Villanova’s men’s team, one of the most successful programs over the last half-century, boasts three national titles—with victories in 2016 and 2018 under former coach Jay Wright. The Wildcats, now coached by Kevin Willard following Wright’s abrupt retirement in 2022, are performing well this season, currently sitting at 19 wins and 5 losses.
Conclusion
As fans await this exciting transatlantic basketball encounter, the anticipation builds for a historic kickoff to the season in Italy.
