The countdown is on.
City and NCAA officials unveiled a countdown clock at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, marking 226 days until the 2026 NCAA® Women’s Final Four® tips off in downtown Phoenix.
It will be the first time the Valley hosts the women’s championship, which runs April 2-5, 2026. Leaders say the event will showcase the best in women’s college basketball while also bringing free, family-friendly activities to downtown throughout the holiday weekend.
“It’s going to be an amazing party and campus in downtown Phoenix," said Jay Parry, Phoenix Local Organizing Committee (PLOC) CEO.
The Final Four is expected to draw fans from around the world, boosting tourism and economic development while giving Phoenix exposure on a national and global scale. Officials also highlighted investments the NCAA has made in local parks, including new basketball courts at Eastlake and Harmon Park.
“Phoenix is a basketball town. We are also ‘Championship Valley,’” said Mayor Kate Gallego, pointing to the city’s track record of hosting Super Bowls, NCAA events and international soccer.
The clock at Sky Harbor will greet millions of travelers in the months leading up to the tournament. Officials hope it serves as both a reminder and a point of pride.
“There’s nothing like the excitement of March Madness,” said PLOC Board Member Scarlett Spring. As Mayor Gallego put it, “The women are going to be really proud of the event we put on.”
Find more information about the events and how to get involved.
