Nashville, TN, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team has released its nonconference schedule featuring 13 games, including an international game in Paris. Coach Shea Ralph aims to continue building on recent NCAA Tournament appearances with a challenging slate designed to prepare the team for SEC competition. Highlights include a home opener and multiple notable matchups leading into the SEC campaign.
Nashville, TN – The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team has announced its 2025-26 nonconference schedule, which includes a total of 13 games leading up to the kickoff of Southeastern Conference (SEC) action. The upcoming season will begin with a historic international game in Paris, France, making it significant for both the team and its followers.
Vanderbilt, fresh off two consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament, aims to continue building on its recent success under head coach Shea Ralph, who has crafted a rigorous nonconference slate designed to prepare the team for March Madness. The Commodores will host eight of these nonconference games at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium, providing local fans with ample opportunities to support the team.
The nonconference schedule opens on November 3 against California as part of the 2025 Oui-Play Paris event, marking the first time Vanderbilt will participate in a regular-season game in Europe. Following their European venture, the Commodores return to Nashville for their home opener against Furman on November 10.
In addition to the early-season matchups, Vanderbilt will play notable contests including a short trip to Austin Peay on November 12 and a game against Western Kentucky on November 19. The team will also host Alabama State on November 21 and Tennessee State on November 23.
During the Thanksgiving week, Vanderbilt is set to participate in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, where they will face Oregon State on November 27 and will either encounter BYU or Virginia Tech in the following matchup on November 29.
December will feature five more nonconference clashes at Memorial Gym, starting with an ACC/SEC Challenge matchup against Virginia on December 3. The Commodores also have scheduled games against South Florida on December 15, UAlbany on December 18, and Texas Southern on December 20. The nonconference slate concludes with a matchup against Stonehill on December 28, before diving into SEC competition.
Vanderbilt’s SEC campaign begins on January 1 against Arkansas, followed by their first home game of the SEC season on January 4 against LSU. Additionally, the team will participate in the Coretta Scott King Classic on January 19, where they will face Michigan at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
As Coach Shea Ralph enters her fifth season with a record of 73-59 (.553), the Commodores return seven players from last season’s squad, which achieved a remarkable 22 wins. This past performance signifies a rejuvenated competitive presence for Vanderbilt in women’s college basketball, having earned at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament in both of the last two seasons.
The 2025-26 nonconference schedule is strategically structured to build on the team’s recent accomplishments and to fortify their preparedness for the formidable challenges posed by the SEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the opening game for Vanderbilt women’s basketball in the 2025-26 season?
The opening game will be held in Paris, France, on November 3 against California as part of the 2025 Oui-Play Paris event.
How many nonconference games will Vanderbilt women’s basketball play?
Vanderbilt women’s basketball is scheduled to play a total of 13 nonconference games in the 2025-26 season.
When does SEC play begin for Vanderbilt?
SEC play for Vanderbilt begins on January 1 against Arkansas, with their first home game on January 4 against LSU.
Key Features of the 2025-26 Nonconference Schedule
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Game | Against California in Paris, France on November 3 |
| Total Nonconference Games | 13 Games |
| Home Games at Memorial Gym | 8 Games |
| Participation in Paradise Jam | U.S. Virgin Islands tournament in November |
| Returnees from Previous Season | 7 Players from last season’s NCAA Tournament team |
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Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt Commodores Official Site
- The Tennessean
- Nashville Post
- Commercial Appeal
- WKRN Sports
- Wikipedia: NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament
- Google Search: Vanderbilt Commodores basketball
- Google Scholar: Vanderbilt basketball schedules
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA basketball
- Google News: Vanderbilt basketball
Author: HERE Nashville
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