Horizon League women's tournament bracket: Full TV schedule, channels, scores for 2025 basketball championships

The Final Showdown: 2025 Horizon League Women’s Basketball Tournament

The 2025 Horizon League Women’s Basketball Tournament is poised to be a thrilling conclusion to the conference’s 2024-25 season, set to unfold from March 4 to March 11. Green Bay, the reigning regular season champions, enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed after securing a dramatic overtime win against Purdue Fort Wayne, the No. 2 seed. This victory not only solidified Green Bay’s top spot but also set the stage for what promises to be an intense and competitive tournament. The early rounds, including the first round and quarterfinals, will be hosted on the home courts of the higher-seeded teams, adding a layer of familiarity and home-court advantage. However, the real crescendo will come at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis, where the semifinals and championship game will be held. Despite the venue’s recent name change from Indiana Farmers Coliseum, the location remains the same, ensuring that the historic atmosphere will be as electric as ever.

Key Dates and Locations

The tournament will kick off on Tuesday, March 4, with the first round of games taking place on campus sites. The lower-seeded teams will travel to face off against their higher-ranked opponents, making for some exciting local matchups. On Thursday, March 6, the quarterfinals will continue the action on campus sites, with the highest-seeded teams maintaining their home advantage. The semifinals and championship game, which are the ultimate tests of the season, will be held on March 10 and March 11, respectively, at Corteva Coliseum. This central venue ensures that the final rounds will be a spectacle, drawing in fans from across the league and beyond. The matchups will be reseeded after each round, meaning that the highest-seeded team remaining will face the lowest-seeded team in the semifinals, adding an element of unpredictability and drama to the proceedings.

First Round and Quarterfinals: Setting the Stage

The first round of the tournament will feature three pivotal matchups. On March 4, No. 6 Detroit Mercy will host No. 11 Milwaukee, with the Titans emerging victorious with a 73-62 win. In the second game, No. 8 Wright State will take on No. 9 Youngstown State, winning 73-58. The final game of the first round will see No. 7 IU Indianapolis face No. 10 Oakland, with the Golden Grizzlies edging out the Jaguars 62-56. These early victories set the stage for the quarterfinals on March 6, where No. 1 Green Bay will take on the determined Oakland, No. 2 Purdue Fort Wayne will go head-to-head with Wright State, No. 3 Cleveland State will face Detroit Mercy, and No. 4 Robert Morris University (RMU) will battle Northern Kentucky. The results from these games will determine which teams advance to the semifinals and the championship, making each matchup a crucial step in the quest for the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Semifinals and Championship: The Ultimate Tests

The semifinals on March 10 will see No. 1 Green Bay take on No. 4 RMU in a match that promises to be a fierce contest. Green Bay’s dominant regular season performance, including their thrilling overtime win, makes them a formidable opponent, while RMU’s steady improvement throughout the season means they won’t be easily dismissed. The second semifinal will pit No. 2 Purdue Fort Wayne against No. 3 Cleveland State. Both teams have shown strong form this season, and this matchup is expected to be a closely contested battle. The championship game on March 11, set to air nationally on ESPN2 and stream on Sling, will be the culminating event of the tournament. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the winner will earn the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, a prize that has been the ultimate goal for every team all season.

How to Watch the Action

Fans and basketball enthusiasts will have multiple options to catch the exciting games of the 2025 Horizon League Women’s Basketball Tournament. The championship game on March 11 will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. ET (11 a.m. CT), offering a national platform to showcase the best of the Horizon League. For those who can’t make it to the venue, ESPN+ provides a convenient live streaming option for the entire tournament, including the semifinals. An ESPN+ subscription is available for $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year, offering a $24 savings on the annual plan. This subscription gives you access to live streams of your favorite teams and a wide array of other sports. Additionally, Sling, through its Sling Orange package, offers the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL Network, making it a one-stop shop for avid sports fans. With Sling, you can cheer for your favorite Horizon League teams and stay up-to-date with other major sports events.

Full Tournament Bracket and Team Records

The 2025 Horizon League Women’s Tournament bracket is packed with talented teams vying for the top spot. Green Bay, with a conference record of 19-1 and an overall record of 26-5, is the top seed and the clear favorite. Purdue Fort Wayne follows closely with a 18-2 conference record and an overall mark of 23-7, positioning them as a strong contender for the championship. Cleveland State, seeded third with a 14-6 conference record and 23-8 overall, has the experience and depth to challenge any team. RMU, the fourth seed, comes in with a more modest 10-10 conference and 14-15 overall record, but their determination and playmaking ability make them a dangerous team. Northern Kentucky, Detroit Mercy, IU Indianapolis, Wright State, Youngstown State, Oakland, and Milwaukee round out the remaining seeds, each bringing their own strengths and strategies to the tournament. The complete bracket, with full team records, is a testament to the competitive nature of the Horizon League and the exciting basketball that will be on display throughout the event.