USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins. Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

NCAA women's basketball is playing two season-openers in Paris

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Nov 3, 2024 1:23 PM ET

It's November and that means college basketball season is about to tip off. While fans will be checking in on the early marquee matchups for the men's side, there are some pretty big games being played by the women too.

There's no Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese this year, but plenty of stars will be hitting the court, some of them overseas.

Two season-opening matchups will be played in Paris, France on Monday as part of the Aflac Oui-Play event. No. 20 Mississippi will take on No. 3 USC and then No. 17 Louisville will face No. 5 UCLA at Adidas Arena.

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This is the second year the event will take place. In 2023, South Carolina and Notre Dame competed in the first-ever edition. The Gamecocks left the "City of Lights" 100-71 victors.

"I am delighted to welcome this new NCAA women's basketball game to our city," Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said in a statement. "The return of the NCAA reflects our strong support for the development of women's basketball and basketball in general in Paris."

The event will feature two preseason All-Americans, USC's JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen. It's the first time since 2017-18 a pair of teammates have been selected for the illustrious honor (UConn).

As a freshman, Watkins was part of the reason attendance and viewership boomed last season - in conjunction with the popularity of Clark and Reese.

The 2024 double-header will be aired on ESPN Monday starting at noon ET.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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