UNC Women’s Basketball Announces 2026 Non-Conference Schedule

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – With summer workouts underway, November will be here in a flash as North Carolina women’s basketball unveiled its non-conference schedule with nine foes set to visit Carmichael in the early season.

As previously announced, the Tar Heels begin the 2026-27 campaign on the international stage in the 2026 Oui-Play in Paris, France, against Oklahoma. Carolina goes head-to-head against the Sooners as one of the first games of the women’s basketball season on Nov. 2 from Adidas Arena.

The high-profile matchups continue, with Carolina returning to the Tar Heel State for the 2026 Ally Tipoff in Charlotte on Nov. 8. In a battle of the Carolinas, the Tar Heels face off against South Carolina from the Spectrum Center to wrap their first week of the season.

Fans can catch Carolina in its home opener from Carmichael Arena on Nov. 11, as the Tar Heels host NC Central.

Heading north for its first true road game of the season, North Carolina travels to Penn for the first-ever meeting between the two historic schools from the Palestra on Nov. 14

The Tar Heels remain on the road with a trip to the Sunshine State for the 2026 WBCA Challenge for two games from the “Happiest Place on Earth” at Disney World in Orlando. Carolina takes on Texas Tech on Nov. 19, followed by Alabama on Nov. 21.

Wrapping the month of November with a three-game homestand, Carolina hosts Gardner-Webb on Nov. 24, followed by Army on Nov. 27 and Brown on Nov. 29.

Beginning December with a splash, Carolina hosts the annual SEC/ACC Challenge with LSU set to visit Chapel Hill on Dec. 2. The Tar Heels and Tigers meet for the fourth time overall and the first time in Carmichael Arena. The two teams last met in 2016 in Myrtle Beach.

Led by Tar Heel great Charlotte Smith, Carolina and Elon square off on Sunday, Dec. 6, in Chapel Hill. Carolina hosts Winthrop on Dec. 9 and Norfolk State on Dec. 21 before the holiday break. UNCW serves as the final non-conference game on Dec. 28 before the Tar Heels dive into Atlantic Coast Conference action for the remainder of the season.

Coming off back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, the Tar Heels enter year eight of the Banghart era with eight returners and bring in veteran experience with four transfers. Youth looks to make a splash with highly touted recruits in Noelle Bofia and Kate Harpring joining the fold.

Stay up to date with the latest North Carolina women’s basketball news on X at @UNCWBB, Instagram @UNCWBB and Facebook at Carolina Women’s Basketball. 

2026-27 North Carolina Women’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

Nov. 2 – vs. Oklahoma (Oui Play / Paris, France)

Nov. 8 – vs. South Carolina (Ally Tipoff / Charlotte, N.C.)

Nov. 11 – NC Central (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Nov. 14 – at Penn (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Nov. 19 – vs. Texas Tech (WBCA Showcase / Orlando, Fla.)

Nov. 21 – vs. Alabama (WBCA Showcase / Orlando, Fla.)

Nov. 24 – Gardner-Webb (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Nov. 27 – Army (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Nov. 29 – Brown (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Dec. 2 – LSU (SEC/ACC Challenge / Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Dec. 6 – Elon (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Dec. 9 – Winthrop (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Dec. 21 – Norfolk State (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

Dec. 28 – UNCW (Chapel Hill, N.C.)