The 2026–27 college basketball season starts Sunday, November 1, 2026, with a Notre Dame–Villanova doubleheader in Rome. The men’s game tips off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern on FOX, followed by the women’s game at noon Eastern on FS1. The wider NCAA Division I schedule begins Monday, November 2.
Here’s what fans need to know about college basketball’s opening dates and how to watch the first games.
When Does Men’s College Basketball Start?
The men’s college basketball season opens November 1, 2026, when Notre Dame faces Villanova at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome.
The matchup is part of the Eternal City Tip-Off, giving the season an international opening before teams across the United States begin their schedules the following day. Fans can watch the men’s opener at 9:30 a.m. ET on FOX, according to Villanova’s official event page.
For fans planning their first full day of college hoops, Monday, November 2, marks the broader start of the season.
When Does Women’s College Basketball Start?
The women’s college basketball season also begins November 1, 2026, with Notre Dame taking on Villanova in the second game of the Rome doubleheader.
The women’s matchup tips off at 12 p.m. ET on FS1. Notre Dame’s official game preview confirms the date and start time.
As with the men’s season, the wider women’s schedule gets underway on Monday, November 2.
College Basketball Opening Schedule: 2026–27
| Game or milestone | Date | Time and TV |
|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame vs. Villanova men, Rome | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. ET, FOX |
| Notre Dame vs. Villanova women, Rome | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Noon ET, FS1 |
| Broader Division I season opening | Monday, November 2, 2026 | Varies by game |
The Rome games open the season one day ahead of the standard Division I start date. The NCAA lists November 2, 2026, as the regular opening date for both men’s and women’s basketball in its approved season calendar.
How to Watch the First College Basketball Games
To watch the season-opening doubleheader, tune in to FOX for the men’s game and FS1 for the women’s game on November 1.
Both start times are listed in Eastern Time. Viewers watching through a television or streaming provider should check that their package includes the relevant channel.
Beginning November 2, tip-off times and broadcast coverage vary by school and matchup. Check your team’s official athletics schedule for its opening game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day does college basketball start in 2026?
The first men’s and women’s games take place Sunday, November 1, 2026. The broader NCAA Division I season begins Monday, November 2.
What is the first men’s college basketball game of the season?
Notre Dame vs. Villanova in Rome opens the men’s season on November 1 at 9:30 a.m. ET on FOX.
Do men’s and women’s college basketball start on the same day?
Yes. Both seasons open November 1, 2026, with Notre Dame–Villanova games in Rome. Their wider schedules begin the following day.