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Villanova<\/a> and Notre Dame have finalized a deal to open the 2026-27 men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball seasons in Rome.<\/p>\n Where exactly in Rome is still being determined, but a deal has been reached for a doubleheader on Sunday, Nov. 1. The men\u2019s game will air nationally on FOX at 9:30 a.m. ET and lead into the network\u2019s NFL coverage. The women\u2019s game is slated for noon on FS1.<\/p>\n Details on the specific location of the games and ticket information are still being finalized.<\/p>\n According to a CBS report in February<\/a>, the schools received a special waiver to play the games on Sunday, Nov. 1, despite the college basketball season officially starting a day later.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a special opportunity for our players and coaches to be part of a global event,\u201d Villanova men\u2019s coach Kevin Willard said in a statement. \u201cTo represent Villanova in Rome to open our season is such a great honor. We appreciate the enormous effort that\u2019s gone into making it possible.\u201d<\/p>\n While Notre Dame\u2019s men\u2019s basketball program has made just one of the last eight NCAA Tournaments, the women\u2019s program has been a lot more successful, especially of late. The Irish\u2019s women\u2019s team has been to five consecutive tournaments, and rising senior Hannah Hidalgo, a Merchantville native<\/a>, has been a big part of the recent success.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to tip off our season with this incredible event in Rome against a nationally recognized Notre Dame team,\u201d Villanova women\u2019s coach Denise Dillon said in a statement. \u201cThis is an opportunity to showcase high level basketball, while celebrating our university and its Augustinian mission. This event will create lasting memories for our student-athletes and staff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bb READ MORE: \u2018How absurd is that?\u2019: Pope Leo XIV, once just a Villanova student named Bob, is a Wildcats basketball fan<\/a><\/p>\n The trip, of course, will not be solely about basketball. The teams \u2014 and possibly fans \u2014 will take part in a welcome reception overlooking Rome. Attendees will also have the opportunity for a shared Mass in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, and a planned papal audience with Pope Leo XIV<\/a>, a 1977 Villanova graduate, in advance of the games.<\/p>\n There will also be cultural and academic experiences, including private tours of the Vatican Museums and other events before and after the games.<\/p>\n \u201cThis extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova\u2019s Augustinian Catholic mission \u2014 uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,\u201d Villanova president Rev. Peter M. Donohue said in a release. \u201cFrom academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n