Villanova Men's Basketball
Villanova Basketball to Open 2026-27 in Rome; Papal Audience Planned
Villanova Athletics confirmed that their men’s and women’s basketball teams will open the 2026-27 season on Sunday, Nov. 1 in Rome, Italy against Notre Dame in the Eternal City Tip-Off.
Per a press release on April 17, the men’s game will air nationally on FOX at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women on FS1 at 12 p.m. ET… and yes, the election of Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV served as the catalyst for the landmark event.
“This extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission—uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,” University President Peter M. Donohue said in the press release. “From academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.”
The Wildcats’ time in Rome will include a welcome reception with views of the ancient city, Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and a planned audience with Pope Leo XIV himself. The game location isn’t yet finalized: a February report listed the Palazzetto dello Sport, a 3,500 seat arena roughly two miles north of Vatican City, as the planned location.
University Statements
Villanova head coaches Kevin Willard and Denise Dillon offered the following statements in the official release.
“This is a special opportunity for our players and coaches to be part of a global event,” Willard said. “To represent Villanova in Rome to open our 2026-27 season is such a great honor. We appreciate the enormous effort that’s gone into making it possible.”
“We’re thrilled to tip off our 2026-27 season with this incredible event in Rome against a nationally recognized Notre Dame team,” Dillon added. “This is an opportunity to showcase high level basketball, while celebrating our University and its Augustinian mission. This event will create lasting memories for our student-athletes and staff.”
