Villanova and Notre Dame Basketball Teams To Open Season With Rome Doubleheader
Villanova and Notre Dame men's and women's basketball teams are opening the college season with a doubleheader in Rome, following a papal audience.
Rochester, NY, November 1, 2026 —
The upcoming college basketball season will feature a unique opening event as the men’s and women’s teams from both Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame are set to compete in a doubleheader held in Rome, Italy. This landmark series of games marks an early start to the collegiate basketball calendar for these two prominent programs.
Details regarding the specific dates of the doubleheader have not been provided. However, the event is planned to occur following a papal audience. This suggests a cultural and spiritual component to the teams’ trip abroad, potentially involving a meeting or event with the Pope, underscoring the significance of the occasion beyond just athletic competition.
This international exhibition game presents an unusual opportunity for both universities. The exact opponents for each game within the doubleheader (e.g., Villanova men vs. Notre Dame men, or a combination with other teams) have not been specified in the summary. Similarly, the venue in Rome where the games will take place is not detailed.
The teams involved are the distinguished basketball programs from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame. Both institutions have historically strong basketball traditions, with their men’s and women’s teams frequently competing at national levels. The decision to open their seasons overseas, particularly in a city with such historical and religious importance as Rome, highlights a unique initiative for the start of the collegiate athletic year.
Further details about the schedule, participating teams in each game, and the specific circumstances of the papal audience are expected to be released.
Story summarized from the original created by ANDREW DAMPF, Associated Press on www.rochesterfirst.com, see more information here.
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