NCAA women’s college basketball season will again commence in Paris

“Following a very successful first edition in November 2023, I am delighted to welcome this new NCAA women’s basketball game to our city,” Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo said in an official press release. “It will bring together talented athletes and enthusiastic Parisians in a spirit that reflects sport’s highest values. Paris has a long history of organizing large-scale events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The return of the NCAA reflects our strong support for developing women’s basketball and basketball in general in Paris.”

Under the guidance of head coach Jeff Walz, the Louisville Cardinals will face off against UCLA, coached by Cori Close.

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The Louisville Cardinals ended last season with a 29-5 record and a first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament with Kiki Jefferson averaging 12.3 points per game.

The UCLA Bruins had a strong 2023-24 season, finishing with an impressive 27-10 record. They made it to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament but were eliminated by a narrow margin against No.8 LSU. Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Charisma Osborne were named to the All-Pac-12 Team and Osborne went on to be selected by the Phoenix Mercury as the 25th pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

“This is the preeminent opening event in women’s college basketball,” Close said in an official press release. “There will be elite competition and intentional, educational, and cultural opportunities for our young women. It sets the stage for what we want to accomplish on the court, and it’s a mission-minded experience at the same time.”

The second match-up will be between the USC Trojans and Mississippi. The games are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local Paris time (9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. PT), with the venue and tipoff assignments yet to be determined.

Mississippi had a commendable 2023-24 season, finishing with a 24-9 record. The team advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s second round but fell to Notre Dame. Marquesha David led the team in most points averaged per game (14).

USC’s women’s basketball team ended their 2023-24 season with a 29-6 record. The Trojans reached the the Elite Eight but lost to No. 10 UConn. Freshman Juju Watkins led the charge for the Trojans averaging 27.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

“We are honored and excited to have been selected to play in the Paris game in 2024,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb told USC Athletics. “What an incredible platform: to open the season in an iconic city, on the heels of the Olympics, bringing USC to an international audience. I’m looking forward to sharing this opportunity with our players, creating lifelong memories and being a part of an important moment for women’s basketball as we kick off the new season.”

This doubleheader recalls last year’s thrilling game between South Carolina and Notre Dame in Paris. In that matchup, South Carolina secured a dominant 100-71 victory. 

“We are eager to continue supporting women’s sports through Aflac Oui Play for the second year,” Aflac Chief Marketing Officer Garth Knutson said in an official press release. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to champion female athletes and make history by advancing women’s college basketball. Given the surge in viewership during last year’s season, it’s clear that there is a widespread interest in women’s sports, and Aflac is proud to be part of this momentous journey.”