The lights of Paris will shine once again on Dawn Staley’s South Carolina women’s basketball team. The Gamecocks announced Monday that they’ll return to the City of Light to open the 2026–27 season in the Oui Play showcase — a global stage that blends elite women’s hoops with the romance of international travel.
Gamecocks to Face Maryland in Adidas Arena
Set for November 2, 2026, South Carolina will square off against the Maryland Terrapins at the state-of-the-art Adidas Arena, a 9,000-seat venue that hosted basketball during the 2024 Paris Olympics. It’s the same tournament where the Gamecocks made history three years earlier, dominating Notre Dame in a 100–71 rout that jumpstarted an undefeated, national championship season.
The event, organized by Complete Sports Management, has grown since that inaugural matchup. What began as a single exhibition has evolved into a full-fledged doubleheader, featuring powerhouse programs and expanding women’s basketball’s global footprint.
According to the university’s official release, Staley and her team are eager to embrace that international spotlight once again.
“Paris was unforgettable for us — not just as a basketball trip, but as a cultural experience,” Staley said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to return and represent South Carolina on that stage again.”
The Oui Play Doubleheader: Four Powerhouses, One Stage
Joining South Carolina and Maryland in Paris will be the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Oklahoma Sooners, who’ll clash in the second half of the doubleheader. The lineup promises a showcase of contrasting styles — from Carolina’s relentless defense to Oklahoma’s high-tempo offense — all under one European roof.
The 2026 edition of Oui Play highlights how women’s basketball has surged beyond U.S. borders, mirroring the sport’s explosive growth since the 2024 Olympics.
VIP Packages Bring Fans Along for the Ride
For fans who want more than a seat in the stands, South Carolina is offering a VIP travel package — now available for purchase — for $1,500 per person. The experience includes:
- VIP game tickets and hospitality suite access
- A Seine River dinner cruise with the team
- A private meal and exclusive team event access
- Ground transportation between all Parisian activities
The package runs October 29–November 2, blending world-class basketball with Parisian charm — a once-in-a-lifetime trip for any Gamecock faithful.
A New Season at Home Before the Journey Abroad
Before their Paris adventure, No. 2-ranked South Carolina tips off the 2025–26 season at home in Colonial Life Arena, hosting Grand Canyon University. The opener, streaming live on SEC Network+, marks the start of a three-game homestand that could set the tone for another championship run.
The Gamecocks return deep talent and discipline under Staley, who continues to redefine consistency in college basketball. Every tipoff feels like the next step in a dynasty — one that’s now spanning continents.
Paris Awaits, Again
For South Carolina fans, the trip to Paris isn’t just about basketball — it’s about connection. It’s the echo of sneakers on hardwood mixing with the hum of a foreign crowd, the red and garnet standing out beneath European lights. In that arena, the Gamecocks won’t just play; they’ll perform, carrying the pride of Columbia onto one of sport’s grandest stages.
Tickets for Oui Play 2026 will go on sale soon through official outlets. For now, fans can start dreaming about baguettes, basketball, and another Staley-led masterpiece in Paris.
South Carolina women’s basketball Paris 2026 — the next chapter in a program that refuses to slow down.
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