Notre Dame and Villanova are playing in Rome on November 1, 2026, for the Eternal City Tip-Off, a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader celebrating the universities’ shared Catholic heritage. The event was inspired by the election of Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, and opens the 2026–27 college basketball season. Villanova’s official announcement
Why Is Notre Dame vs. Villanova in Rome?
The connection between Villanova and Pope Leo XIV helped bring the matchup to Italy. Leo, an Augustinian friar and Villanova graduate, provided the inspiration for an event bringing together two prominent Catholic universities.
For Notre Dame and Villanova, the trip combines basketball with a celebration of faith, education and their connections to the Vatican. Both universities’ teams participated in a papal audience before the games. Villanova’s Rome event recap
What Is the Eternal City Tip-Off?
The Eternal City Tip-Off is a college basketball doubleheader at Palazzo dello Sport in Rome. It features Notre Dame and Villanova facing each other in both men’s and women’s basketball.
| Event detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | November 1, 2026 |
| Location | Palazzo dello Sport, Rome, Italy |
| Teams | Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Villanova Wildcats |
| Format | Men’s and women’s doubleheader |
| Season | 2026–27 NCAA basketball season |
The event puts the start of the season on an international stage while bringing both schools’ basketball programs together for the same occasion. Official Eternal City Tip-Off event page
Do the Rome Games Count Toward the Regular Season?
Yes. The Notre Dame–Villanova games in Rome are official regular-season contests. They serve as the season openers for the participating teams.
The matchup also marks a milestone: according to Villanova, the programs are the first to play NCAA basketball regular-season games in Italy. Villanova’s event recap
What Is Pope Leo XIV’s Connection to the Game?
Pope Leo XIV is a Villanova alumnus, making the Rome opener especially meaningful for the Wildcats. His election inspired the universities to arrange the doubleheader around their shared Catholic missions.
The teams met with the pope on October 31, the day before their season openers. Although his Villanova ties give the event an obvious rooting-interest storyline, Leo told the visiting teams that he is neutral in matters of sport. Associated Press coverage of the papal audience
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Notre Dame and Villanova playing basketball in Italy?
They are participating in the Eternal City Tip-Off, an event inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s election and organized to celebrate the two universities’ shared Catholic heritage.
Where is Notre Dame vs. Villanova being played in Rome?
The games take place at Palazzo dello Sport on November 1, 2026.
Are both the men’s and women’s teams playing?
Yes. The event features a men’s game and a women’s game between Notre Dame and Villanova.
Is this part of the 2026 or 2027 basketball season?
The Rome doubleheader opens the 2026–27 college basketball season, which begins in fall 2026 and continues into spring 2027.