Notre Dame and Villanova to play season opener in Rome

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 14:02 · Archive

Catholic powerhouses Notre Dame and Villanova will play a 2026 season opener on 1 November at Rome's Palazzo dello Sport, near the Vatican.

Notre Dame and Villanova, two Catholic powerhouses, will compete in a 2026 season opener on 1 November at Rome's Palazzo dello Sport, six miles from the Vatican. The doubleheader will feature both the men's and women's teams from each university.

The matchup has drawn attention to the century-long history of Catholic college basketball in America. After James Naismith invented basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891, YMCAs and colleges played key roles in the sport's early expansion. Many of those early adopters were Catholic institutions in urban areas, for which basketball was ideal — requiring only an indoor court and a handful of players.

Catholic college basketball has produced notable teams and figures, including Holy Cross, Georgetown, Gonzaga, Loyola Chicago, and memorable coaches such as Rollie Massimino and Lou Carnesecca. Sister Jean, a mentor to Loyola Chicago players, remained involved in the programme even after turning 100.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope and a Villanova graduate, is a sports fan. There has been no word from the Vatican on whether he might attend the Eternal City Tip-Off, though it is considered unlikely following his lung cancer diagnosis.

How it is being reported

• From March Madness miracles to a season opener in Rome: The story of Catholic college hoopsCatholic college basketball has a rich history, filled with talented teams, colorful coaches, and unforgettable characters.News4Jax · 16 Oct, 13:16
• From March Madness miracles to a season opener in Rome: The story of Catholic college hoopsCatholic college basketball has a rich history, filled with talented teams, colorful coaches, and unforgettable characters.Clickorlando · 16 Oct, 13:16

In this story: Notre Dame · Villanova · Rome · Pope Leo XIV · Loyola Chicago · Georgetown · Gonzaga

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem