Women's college basketball programs are focusing on strategic scheduling contracts to strengthen their competitive resumes ahead of the NCAA season. The process involves carefully selecting exhibition and regular-season opponents to optimize strength of schedule metrics.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Gary Redus II was observed during an NCAA exhibition women's basketball game at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway on October 30, 2026, as programs finalize their non-conference slates. These early-season matchups play a crucial role in tournament seeding considerations.
Industry analysts note that mid-major programs face particular challenges in securing high-profile home-and-home series, often accepting guarantee games against power conference opponents to fund athletic department budgets while seeking quality wins elsewhere.
