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Notre Dame and Villanova prepare for basketball games in Rome

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 31, 2026, 1:15 AM

Last updated Oct 31, 2026

Notre Dame and Villanova prepare for basketball games in Rome

Summary

Notre Dame women’s basketball and Villanova will play in Rome on November 1, 2026, as part of the Eternal City Tip-off at the Palazzo dello Sport. The event was inspired by the election of Pope Leo XIV and involves both teams, with an audience expected at St. Peter’s Basilica the day before. Organizers aim to showcase college basketball and Catholic heritage, with planning discussions among university officials and Fox Sports. While the pope is scheduled to meet teams, his attendance at the games remains uncertain due to health issues following recent surgery. The men’s game will begin at 8:30 a.m. CT, followed by the women’s at 11 a.m.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Games feature Notre Dame and Villanova in Rome on Nov. 1, 2026.
•Pope Leo XIV's election inspired the event planning.
•Teams will attend a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
•Organizers hope for a papal audience on the same day.
•Event highlights the Catholic connection between the universities.

Latest Updates

1:15 AMYahoo Sports — How Notre Dame basketball’s trip came about to play Villanova in Rome — and potentially meet Pope Leo XIV

What they're saying

"
When Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey first heard the idea, she was thrilled. With the election of Pope Leo XIV as inspiration, college sports event organizers wanted to host a pair of men’s and women’s basketball games in Rome. Villanova, the pope’s alma mater, would occupy one bench. Notre Dame, another of the United States’ prominent Catholic universities — only about 80 miles ...
— Yahoo Sports

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