Detroit Bids to Host Women's Final Four in 2030s

Detroit is one of seven cities competing to host the NCAA Division I Women's Final Four tournament in the 2030s. The National Collegiate Athletic Association named the city a finalist on Tuesday. The other candidates are Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

The selection process will conclude in July 2027. Representatives from each finalist city will present their proposals to the Division I Women's Basketball Committee in Naples, Florida. The committee will announce the winning host at that meeting.

If Detroit is selected, it will be the first time the city hosts the women's championship game. Ford Field, the designated venue for the event, previously hosted the men's Final Four in 2009. That tournament featured Michigan State defeating Connecticut and North Carolina beating Villanova.

Liz Darger, a senior associate athletics director at Brigham Young University and chair of the committee, commented on the bid process. She stated that the strong interest reflects the tournament's status as a premier sporting event. Darger expressed gratitude to all participating cities.

The city is currently preparing for a separate men's tournament scheduled for April 3 and 5. Michigan State University is the official host for that event. The upcoming men's games will also take place at Ford Field.

The committee has not yet determined which city will host the 2032 through 2036 women's tournaments. The decision rests solely with the Division I Women's Basketball Committee during its July 2027 session in Florida.