Villanova, Notre Dame Reportedly Finalizing Plans to Open 2026-27 CBB Season Schedule in Rome

Noted sports fan Pope Leo XIV will have the opportunity to watch a men's and women's college basketball game between Villanova and Notre Dame in his backyard if his schedule is free.

Per CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, Villanova and Notre Dame are finalizing plans to play the 2026-27 season-opener for both their men's and women's basketball teams in Rome on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Pope Leo XIV is a Villanova alum, earning his bachelor's degree from the university in 1977. He also received an honorary doctorate in 2014.

Palazzetto dello Sport would serve as the host site for the two games. The arena underwent a significant renovation that was completed in 2023. It is the home for the LUISS Roma basketball team and M. Roma Volley volleyball club.

Norlander noted the official start of the 2026-27 college basketball season is scheduled for Nov. 2, but the NCAA "quietly approved a waiver" in January that allows Villanova and Notre Dame to play one day earlier.

The schools would play a doubleheader on the same day, with Norlander reporting Fox would handle broadcast rights for both games. The men's game would air in the morning in the United States, leading directly into Fox's regular NFL coverage.

The women's game would be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.

It's unclear at this point if Pope Leo XIV would attend the games, but Norlander did note officials from Notre Dame and Villanova have been in contact with him and the Holy See, the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, about his potential involvement.