Villanova and Notre Dame to Launch College Basketball Season with Historic Rome Doubleheader
Villanova and Notre Dame men's and women's basketball teams are opening the college basketball season with a doubleheader in Rome.
Terre Haute, IN, November 1, 2026 — The upcoming college basketball season will feature a unique opening event as the Villanova and Notre Dame men’s and women’s basketball teams are set to compete in a historic doubleheader. This unique season opener is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy.
The event marks a significant international start to the collegiate basketball calendar, bringing together two prominent programs for an opening series of games on foreign soil. The specific dates for the doubleheader in Rome were not provided in the available summary.
This initiative offers both teams an opportunity to engage with international competition early in their season, potentially providing a different competitive dynamic and cultural experience for the student-athletes and coaching staffs. The exact format of the doubleheader, including which teams will play which opponents and in what order, was not detailed.
Further details regarding the scheduling and logistical aspects of this international season opener are expected to be released. The participating universities, Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame, are well-regarded in collegiate athletics. The summary did not specify the exact matchups or the specific venues within Rome where the games will be held.
Story summarized from the original created by ANDREW DAMPF, Associated Press on www.mywabashvalley.com, see more information here.
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