Paris, France, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Vanderbilt University’s women’s basketball team revealed an ambitious nonconference schedule for the upcoming season, featuring a historic game in Paris against California. The Commodores will play 13 nonconference games before starting Southeastern Conference action, aiming to prepare for the NCAA Tournament. The schedule includes noteworthy matchups, home games at Memorial Gymnasium, and participation in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam. Fans can now purchase season tickets to support the Commodores during this pivotal season.
Nashville
Vanderbilt University’s women’s basketball team has announced an ambitious nonconference schedule for the 2025-26 season, highlighted by a historic game in Paris, France, against the University of California on November 3, 2025. This matchup marks the first regular-season game for the Commodores in Europe, setting a significant milestone for the program.
The Commodores will play a total of 13 nonconference games before diving into Southeastern Conference (SEC) action, with the opening game on Martin Luther King Day. Coach Shea Ralph, entering her fifth season, has designed these matchups to prepare the team for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Vanderbilt seeks to build on its accomplishments following back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament, marking their first consecutive appearances since 2013-2014.
Among the 13 games lined up, eight will take place at Memorial Gymnasium, allowing the Commodores faithful to rally behind their team at home. The squad faces formidable competition, including four teams that participated in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, demonstrating Vanderbilt’s commitment to challenging its players against high-caliber opponents.
Key Matchups and Dates
The season officially opens in Paris, followed by the home opener against Furman on November 10, 2025. Following the home opener, the Commodores will play at Austin Peay on November 12 and at Western Kentucky on November 19. Vanderbilt will host Alabama State on November 21 and Tennessee State on November 23.
For the Thanksgiving holiday, the Commodores will compete in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, where they are set to clash with Oregon State on November 27 and either Brigham Young University (BYU) or Virginia Tech on November 29.
December features five additional nonconference home games, beginning with a matchup against Virginia on December 3 as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. Other home games that month include contests against South Florida on December 15, UAlbany on December 18, Texas Southern on December 20, and Stonehill on December 28.
Following the nonconference schedule, the Commodores jump into SEC action on January 1, 2026, facing Arkansas. They will host their first league game against LSU on January 4, 2026. On January 19, Vanderbilt will step out of SEC play to compete against Michigan in the Coretta Scott King Classic at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Team Overview
Shea Ralph has compiled a record of 73-59 since leading the program and will look to leverage the existing talent as the team retains seven players from last season’s NCAA tournament team, which achieved an impressive 22 wins. This continuity should provide the Commodores with a solid foundation as they look to reestablish their success in women’s basketball.
Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are now available for purchase through VUCommodores.com, allowing fans the opportunity to support the team during this highly anticipated season.
Outlook
Vanderbilt’s comprehensive nonconference schedule is engineered not just for immediate challenges but also with an eye on long-term aspirations, aiming to make deeper runs toward March Madness. The inclusion of historic venues, competitive opponents, and returning talent underscores the program’s potential as it continues to strive for excellence in college basketball.
Key Features of the Nonconference Schedule
- First game of the season in Paris, France against California.
- Home opener against Furman on November 10, 2025.
- Participation in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam.
- ACC/SEC Challenge matchup against Virginia on December 3.
- Multiple opportunities for home games at Memorial Gymnasium.
FAQ Section
When does the 2025-26 Vanderbilt women’s basketball season begin?
The season opens on November 3, 2025, in Paris, France, against the University of California.
How many nonconference games will Vanderbilt play before SEC action?
Vanderbilt will play a total of 13 nonconference games before starting SEC play.
How can fans purchase season tickets for the upcoming season?
Season tickets for the 2025-26 season can be purchased at VUCommodores.com.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| European Game | First game in Paris against California on November 3, 2025 |
| Home Opener | Against Furman on November 10, 2025 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam | Competing against Oregon State and either BYU or Virginia Tech |
| ACC/SEC Challenge | Matchup against Virginia on December 3 |
| SEC Play Start | January 1, 2026, at Arkansas |
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Additional Resources
- VU Commodores: Nonconference Schedule Announcement
- Tennessean: Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Schedule
- Vanderbilt Hustler: Shea Ralph Revives Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball
- Next Hoops: Candice Storey Lee on Shea Ralph
- Fayetteville Observer: Shea Ralph Returns to NC for March Madness
- Wikipedia: Vanderbilt Commodores
- Google Search: Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball
- Google Scholar: Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanderbilt University
- Google News: Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball
Author: HERE Nashville
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