Villanova and Notre Dame Basketball Teams Set to Open Season with Doubleheader in Rome
Villanova and Notre Dame men's and women's basketball teams are opening the college season with a doubleheader in Rome.
Raleigh Durham, NC, November 1, 2026 —
The upcoming college basketball season will feature an international opening event, with both the men’s and women’s teams from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame scheduled to participate in a doubleheader competition. This unique opening marks a significant start to the season for the two prominent NCAA Division I programs.
The event is slated to take place in Rome, Italy, offering a global stage for the collegiate athletes. While the exact dates and specific venue within Rome were not immediately available, the prospect of college basketball games being played on foreign soil highlights an expanding international reach for the sport.
The schedule includes a doubleheader format, which typically involves two games played consecutively, often featuring both men’s and women’s teams. This arrangement allows fans and participants to experience multiple games in a single event. The specific matchups between Villanova and Notre Dame teams were not detailed in the available information.
Both Villanova and Notre Dame have established basketball programs with a history of success in collegiate athletics. This international opening game could provide valuable experience for the teams, exposing them to different playing environments and cultural experiences before the start of their regular domestic seasons.
Further details regarding ticketing, broadcast information, and the full game schedule are expected to be released as the event approaches. The location in Rome suggests a strategic effort to engage international audiences and provide a memorable season opener for the student-athletes involved.
Story summarized from the original created by ANDREW DAMPF, Associated Press on www.cbs17.com, see more information here.
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