The calendar has flipped to May, which means it's officially NCAA women's lacrosse season—and the excitement is already building for what promises to be another unforgettable tournament.
Year after year, the same powerhouse programs rise to the top, and 2026 is no different. Since 2005, either Northwestern, North Carolina, Maryland, or Boston College has claimed every national title except one (James Madison in 2018). This season, those familiar faces are back in the spotlight, with the Wildcats, Tar Heels, and Terrapins earning the top three seeds.
Last year, North Carolina defeated Northwestern in a thrilling final, but the Wildcats haven't forgotten. They handed UNC its only regular-season loss this year in an overtime nail-biter in Chapel Hill back in March, earning the No. 1 overall seed in the process. The big question: Are these two juggernauts on a collision course for a rematch, or will a dark horse emerge to crash the party?
Here's everything you need to know to catch every second of the action, from the first draw to the championship whistle.
Tournament Format & Seeds
The bracket features 29 teams: 15 automatic qualifiers and 14 at-large selections. The top eight schools are seeded nationally, with the top three earning first-round byes. Here are the eight national seeds:
1. Northwestern
2. North Carolina
3. Maryland
4. Boston College
5. Syracuse
6. Denver
7. Virginia
8. Loyola (Maryland)
How to Watch
TV channels: ESPNU (quarterfinals, semifinals), ESPN (championship game)
Streaming: All games are available on the ESPN app. Fans can also stream via fubo, which offers a free trial.
Schedule & Scores
First-round action kicks off this weekend, with the top three seeds enjoying byes. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship game will be broadcast nationally. Check back here for live scores and updates throughout the tournament.
Whether you're rooting for a repeat, a redemption story, or a first-time champion, this year's NCAA women's lacrosse tournament is shaping up to be one for the ages. Grab your gear, mark your calendar, and get ready for some unforgettable lacrosse.