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Villanova basketball teams to tip off season in Rome against Notre Dame

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 11:02 AM

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

Villanova basketball teams to tip off season in Rome against Notre Dame

Summary

Villanova University's men's and women's basketball teams will begin their season in Rome on Sunday, competing against Notre Dame in the Eternal City Tip-Off. This matchup occurs just weeks after Villanova hosted a sustainability conference in the city and awarded the first Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal. The association with Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, has reportedly boosted the university's profile and applications. Villanova has expressed pride in its connection to the Vatican and expects around 6,000 Villanova fans to attend the doubleheader, alongside 1,000 fans from Notre Dame. Pope Leo is scheduled to hold a private audience with the teams and fans, health permitting, and a Mass will also be celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Villanova and Notre Dame face off in Rome on October 29.
•The matchup is part of the Eternal City Tip-Off event.
•Pope Leo XIV, an alumnus, boosts Villanova's profile.
•Around 7,000 fans are expected to attend the doubleheader.
•A private audience with the pope may occur for attendees.

Latest Updates

11:02 AMYahoo Sports — Ahead of Rome tipoff, basketball powerhouse Villanova embraces 'Pope Leo effect'

What they're saying

"
(AP) — At Villanova University, all roads — or at least many of them — seem to lead to Rome, thanks to famed alumnus Pope Leo XIV and the school's growing ties to the Vatican. Even its vaunted basketball program is getting in on the act.
— Yahoo Sportsby TIFFANY STANLEY

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