Villanova and Notre Dame officially have an agreement to open the 2026-27 basketball season in Rome

Villanova and Notre Dame have finalized a deal to open the 2026-27 men’s and women’s basketball seasons in Rome.

Where exactly in Rome is still being determined, but a deal has been reached for a doubleheader on Sunday, Nov. 1. The men’s game will air nationally on FOX at 9:30 a.m. ET and lead into the network’s NFL coverage. The women’s game is slated for noon on FS1.

Details on the specific location of the games and ticket information are still being finalized.

According to a CBS report in February, the schools received a special waiver to play the games on Sunday, Nov. 1, despite the college basketball season officially starting a day later.

“This is a special opportunity for our players and coaches to be part of a global event,” Villanova men’s coach Kevin Willard said in a statement. “To represent Villanova in Rome to open our season is such a great honor. We appreciate the enormous effort that’s gone into making it possible.”

While Notre Dame’s men’s basketball program has made just one of the last eight NCAA Tournaments, the women’s program has been a lot more successful, especially of late. The Irish’s women’s team has been to five consecutive tournaments, and rising senior Hannah Hidalgo, a Merchantville native, has been a big part of the recent success.

“We’re thrilled to tip off our season with this incredible event in Rome against a nationally recognized Notre Dame team,” Villanova women’s coach Denise Dillon said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to showcase high level basketball, while celebrating our university and its Augustinian mission. This event will create lasting memories for our student-athletes and staff.”

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The trip, of course, will not be solely about basketball. The teams — and possibly fans — will take part in a welcome reception overlooking Rome. Attendees will also have the opportunity for a shared Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, and a planned papal audience with Pope Leo XIV, a 1977 Villanova graduate, in advance of the games.

There will also be cultural and academic experiences, including private tours of the Vatican Museums and other events before and after the games.

“This extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission — uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,” Villanova president Rev. Peter M. Donohue said in a release. “From academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.”

Official travel packages, including premium seating, exclusive events, regional excursions, guided tours, headquarter hotels for each university, and more, are being run by On Location.

Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized.