Villanova and Notre Dame will open their 2026-27 basketball seasons on Nov. 1 in Rome.
The men’s and women’s teams from both schools will play a doubleheader in the Italian capital that day in what has been named the Eternal City Tip-Off.
It is no shock that these two schools were chosen to take part, given that they are two of the most prominent Catholic universities in the United States. Plus, this is a pairing that will remind Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, of home.
Well-known as a sports fan, particularly of the Chicago White Sox, the pope is very familiar with these teams. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, he lived less than a two-hour drive from the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Ind. And he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova in 1977, at the same time creating a foundation for eventually joining the priesthood.
“Pope Leo has spoken in such inspiring ways about the value of sport, emphasizing that sport is a ‘school of life’ that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, a vision both Notre Dame and Villanova wholeheartedly embrace,” said the Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., the president of Notre Dame. “We are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans. We know well the transformative impact of spending time in a city that is so central to our faith and rich in history.”
In Italy, the teams will meet in a welcome reception at a spot overlooking Rome, have the opportunity to attend a shared mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and take part in a planned papal audience with Pope Leo XIV before the basketball games. Cultural and educational events also are being built into the itinerary.
“This extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission — uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, the president of Villanova. “From academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.”
Fox Sports will broadcast the games. The men will tip off at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women at noon. The playing venue has yet to be announced.
