Notre Dame, South Carolina to open 2023-2024 season in Paris

For the first time ever, a college basketball game will be played in the city of Paris. Two of women’s basketball’s top programs, Notre Dame and South Carolina, will kick off the 2023-2024 season across the Atlantic Ocean in France. On what should be a historic day no matter what, the matchup itself will bring a ton of eyeballs.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley released a statement alongside the announcement, saying the Gamecocks were quick to accept the invitation to Paris. A special experience will be in store for those on the roster next season.

“We did not hesitate to accept the invitation,” Staley said. “Playing Notre Dame in Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our student-athletes, and I’m thankful for the support of our administration and our donors.”

Niele Ivey, Notre Dame’s head coach, echoed the sentiment of Staley. In what she called a “historic” matchup between the two schools, the Fighting Irish will be excited to see one particular building in the city.

“Notre Dame is playing under the shadow of Notre Dame!” Ivey said. “We are absolutely thrilled to be heading to Paris to participate in this historic matchup between two storied women’s basketball programs.”

Both head coaches ended their statements by talking the “life-changing experiences” their players are going to have in France. After all, it’s just another opportunity for the women’s game to grow. This time, both programs are going international.

“It’s always been my mission to break barriers and provide opportunities for my players to have life-changing experiences,” both Ivey and Staley said. “Women’s basketball is on the rise right now, and having this exposure continues to grow the game on an international platform.”

The game will take place on Nov. 6, 2023. Nothing else has been made official by the two schools, including the venue and who will be the broadcast partner. For those wanting to travel along with the team, tickets are not quite on sale either.

South Carolina has been one of the best in women’s college basketball under Staley, winning a national championship in 2022. Over the past four seasons, the Gamecocks have only lost a total of nine games under Staley.

As for Notre Dame, they have only missed one NCAA Tournament since the 1996 edition. Their national title came during the 2018 NCAA Tournament but over the past two seasons, have made the Sweet Sixteen each time.