Gamecocks Open Season in Paris Against Maryland

South Carolina begins its 2026-27 women's basketball campaign as the nation's No. 1 team against No. 20 Maryland at Adidas Arena.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball

Gamecocks Open Season in Paris Against Maryland

South Carolina opens its 2026-27 women's basketball season against No. 20 Maryland at Adidas Arena in Paris, France. The Gamecocks enter the season ranked No. 1 in the nation after losing the 2026 NCAA championship game 79-51 to UCLA.

Why it matters

The opener marks the start of a season in which South Carolina carries top national ranking after a championship-game defeat. The schedule also includes No. 12 North Carolina, in-state rival Clemson and No. 3 USC.

South Carolina's preseason exhibition wins came by 113-34 over Benedict College and 91-60 over the College of Charleston. The Gamecocks' ranking and early-season results will be tested in a Paris opener against a No. 20 Maryland team.

The players

Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley is the head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball program and a prominent figure in the sport.

The details

Dawn Staley released a 2026-27 season trailer video with a 'Trust the process' message, shared by the Gamecocks hours before the opener. The video features practice and game footage along with newly joined players.

April 2026: South Carolina lost the NCAA championship game 79-51 to UCLA.
Monday, November 2, 2026: South Carolina opens its season against Maryland at Adidas Arena in Paris.

Season Trajectory

South Carolina enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 1 after falling to UCLA in the 2026 NCAA title game, placing it among the leading contenders for another championship run. The schedule's matchups against No. 12 North Carolina and No. 3 USC will test whether the Gamecocks can maintain top standing in the national competitive picture.

The Gamecocks' schedule includes marquee matchups against No. 12 North Carolina, Clemson and No. 3 USC, which will shape conference and national standings. Fans following the team can track results as the season progresses through these games.

The takeaway

South Carolina's season opener in Paris is the first test of whether a top-ranked team can rebound from a championship-game loss. Watching how the Gamecocks handle the Maryland matchup and their upcoming schedule offers a clear view of the season's trajectory.