It was just a year ago that Michigan bounced the Iowa State women’s basketball team from the NCAA Tournament and prematurely ended the Cyclones’ heavily anticipated season.
But in 2026, Iowa State is getting a rematch.
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The Cyclones will take on Michigan in Brooklyn as part of a doubleheader with Maryland and UConn in the 2026 Women’s Champions Classic on Dec. 5, 2026, the program announced on March 11. The game will be televised on FOX.
“Iowa State is honored to be a part of one of the most prestigious women’s basketball events in the country,” Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly said in a statement. “To play Michigan, one of the best teams in the country, at Barclays Center, is a special opportunity.”
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In Iowa State’s last matchup with Michigan, in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Michigan took down the Cyclones, 84-70.
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Most of Iowa State’s roster from that game is still on the team, including starters Arianna Jackson, Addy Brown and Audi Crooks.
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The trio has helped the Cyclones to 22 wins this season, giving them a good shot at a possible at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Jackson, Brown and Crooks would be seniors next season.
Tommy Birch, the Register’s sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He’s the 2018, 2020, 2023 and 2025 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State to play Michigan in 2026 Women’s Champions Classic
