The UNC women’s basketball team released their non-conference schedule this week. The Heels will play 14 opponents outside the ACC, with nine of those matchups coming at home. Once again, Courtney Banghart’s team isn’t shying away from playing elite programs; four of those games come against teams that made the Sweet Sixteen in the 2026 NCAA women’s tournament. Including the ACC teams that made the Sweet Sixteen, UNC potentially will play over 50% of the teams that made the second weekend. For a team that will return eight players and add two very talented freshmen, the schedule should test the Heels as they look to advance past the Sweet Sixteen in the upcoming campaign.
Some key matchups to look forward to in the Heels non-conference schedule:
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November 2nd vs Oklahoma: Carolina starts their season against a Sooners squad that made the Sweet Sixteen last season as a four seed. More interestingly, this game will take place in Paris, France (apparently this is the year for Tar Heels squads to travel to Europe). The game is part of the Oui Play series that generally includes some of the big names in women’s college basketball.
November 8th vs South Carolina: Hopefully the Heels shake off the jet lag quickly (note: South Carolina also plays in Paris in the Oui Play event) as what projects to be one of their toughest games of the year comes just six days later. The Gamecocks are usually national championship contenders and made the championship game last season. This will be a good early barometer game for the Heels in this neutral court matchup in Charlotte; the Heels lost an exhibition game to South Caroliana last season by nine.
November 19th vs Texas Tech/November 21st vs Alabama: Both games are part of the 2026 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Challenge in Orlando, Florida. Both teams won games in the NCAA tournament last season as single digit seeds. The games will take place at Disney World Resort; no word yet on when the team will ride Space Mountain.
December 2nd vs LSU: This will be one of the biggest home games of the year for UNC. Under Kim Mulkey, LSU has been a perineal contender, narrowing falling as a two seed last season to Duke in the Sweet Sixteen. This game will serve as Carolina’s game in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
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The complete UNC women’s basketball non-conference schedule:
Nov. 2: vs. Oklahoma
Nov. 8: vs. South Carolina
Nov. 11: NC Central
Nov. 14: at Penn
Nov. 19: vs. Texas Tech
Nov. 21: vs. Alabama
Nov. 24: Gardner-Webb
Nov. 27: Army
Nov. 29: Brown
Dec. 2: LSU
Dec. 6: Elon
Dec. 9: Winthrop
Dec. 21: Norfolk State
Dec. 28: UNC Wilmington
Overall, it’s a really solid schedule for the early portion of the season. My only quibble is I’d like to see at least one more good road matchup, although Penn at the Palestra won’t necessarily be a cakewalk. Still, the Heels should be well-tested by the time ACC play starts.
