TAMPA, Fla., October 21, 2025 — The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced Tuesday that ESPN platforms will serve as the exclusive broadcaster for the 2025 WBCA Challenge, where South Florida women's basketball will compete against a nationally competitive field this November in Las Vegas.

The Bulls will face two 2025 NCAA Tournament participants during the event, which will take place at Michelob Ultra Arena. 

USF opens play against Fairfield on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. ET on ESPNU, before closing the tournament with a high-profile matchup against 2025 Final Four participant UCLA on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Fairfield posted a 28-5 overall record and dominated the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a 19-1 mark, claiming both the regular-season and tournament titles for the second year in a row. They earned a No. 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament, making their seventh all-time appearance in the Big Dance.

Two days after facing Fairfield, USF will take on UCLA, which is coming off a historic season that saw the Bruins reach their first-ever NCAA Final Four. UCLA finished the year with a program-best 34-3 record, captured the Big Ten Tournament title, and earned a No. 1 seed in their NCAA Tournament region, both for the first time in program history.

USF enters the 2025-26 season after capturing its fourth American Athletic Conference championship with a 23-11 overall record, winning the American Postseason Tournament, and making its 10th NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Jose Fernandez. Fernandez, who enters his 26th season at the helm, led the Bulls to a No. 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year, marking the program's 14th consecutive 19-win season and 12th 20-win season under his leadership.Head coach Jose Fernandez and the Bulls enter the event looking to build on their storied tradition, which includes 19 postseason appearances and 10 NCAA Tournament berths under his leadership.

In addition to his role at South Florida, Fernandez currently serves as the president of the WBCA, beginning a two-year term in April 2025. His leadership on the national stage reflects a deep commitment to advancing the game beyond USF's program, as he continues to advocate for the growth and visibility of women's basketball at all levels.

Fans wishing to attend the Inaugural WBCA Challenge in person can purchase tickets exclusively through AXS. All tickets are digital and must be purchased through the AXS website. 

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ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
South Florida women's basketball has made 19 postseason tournament appearances and had 10 NCAA Tournament berths in head coach Jose Fernandez's 25 seasons. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Fernandez has guided the Bulls to 12 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, the 2008-09 WNIT championship, and has won 485 career games, and is the all-time wins leader in the American Conference