Temple University Athletics
Big 5 Unveils 2026 Women's Basketball Matchups
8.25.26 | Women's Basketball
The city's six NCAA Division I women's basketball programs will be split into two three-team pods. Each team will face the other two teams in its pod in a round-robin format at campus venues. The results will determine the matchups for a tripleheader at the Palestra on Sunday, Dec. 6.
The winners of each pod will play for the Big 5 championship, while the second-place teams will meet for third place. The remaining teams will compete for fifth place.
This season, Drexel, Penn and Saint Joseph's will make up one pod, while La Salle, Temple and Villanova will comprise the other.
Temple will visit La Salle on Nov. 11 before hosting Villanova on Dec. 1.
Nicknamed the "Cathedral of College Basketball," the Palestra is considered one of the nation's most iconic sports venues. Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, the arena has hosted countless memorable games since opening in 1927 and remains one of college basketball's most respected settings. Its intimate environment, historic design and rich legacy have made it a bucket-list destination for players, coaches and fans nationwide.
The 2026-27 season will mark the Palestra's 100th anniversary.
