The calendar has flipped to May, and that means it's time for NCAA women's lacrosse—a season where champions are made and legacies are written. The 2026 tournament is shaping up to be one for the ages, with familiar powerhouses and rising challengers ready to battle for the crown.

Since 2005, only one team outside of North Carolina, Northwestern, Maryland, or Boston College has claimed the title (James Madison in 2018). This year, the Tar Heels and Wildcats are once again the teams to beat. North Carolina enters as the defending champion after defeating Northwestern in last year's final, but the Wildcats handed UNC its only regular-season loss in an overtime thriller back in March. Are these two on another collision course, or will a new contender emerge to shake up the bracket?

The tournament features 29 teams—15 automatic qualifiers and 14 at-large selections. The top eight schools receive national seeds, with the top three earning first-round byes. As seeds are announced, we'll keep you updated on every matchup and upset alert.

How to Watch: Catch all the action on ESPN platforms. Quarterfinals and semifinals air on ESPNU, while the championship game takes center stage on ESPN. Every game is also available to stream via the ESPN app or through fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. Whether you're tuning in from home or on the go, you won't miss a single goal.

Key Dates & Location: The semifinals and final will be held at Northwestern University, setting the stage for a potential home-field advantage for the Wildcats. Check back as matchups and schedules are announced—we'll have all the details you need to plan your viewing.

Recent Champions: Here's a look at the last 10 NCAA women's lacrosse champions and runners-up (note: the tournament was not held in 2020). Will 2026 add a new name to the list, or will a familiar powerhouse hoist the trophy once again?