UConn is projected as the top seed in the 2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament, with the top 16 teams set to host early rounds.

The NCAA women's basketball committee released its first 2026 top 16 seed projections, ranking UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt as No. 1 seeds based on performance and strength of schedule. UConn is projected as the overall No. 1 seed, with the top 16 teams set to host first- and second-round games. The Sweet 16 will be held at neutral sites in Fort Worth and Sacramento, with the Final Four in Phoenix on April 3 and the championship on April 5. The SEC and Big Ten each have six of the top 16 seeds. Final seeds will be announced March 15, with hosting schools revealed the day before.