Notre Dame and Villanova Basketball Teams Head to Rome for Historic Matches

Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey responded with enthusiasm when introduced to the idea of playing in Rome. With the newly elected Pope Leo XIV serving as the inspiration, organizers proposed hosting two basketball games: one for men and one for women. Villanova, the alma mater of Pope Leo XIV, would play against Notre Dame, another prominent Catholic university in the U.S., situated just 80 miles from the pope’s childhood home in Dolton.

Ivey recalled the experience of taking her team to Paris for a season-opening game in 2023, recognizing the potential impact an international game could have on her players. Some team members had never traveled abroad before. Notre Dame, ranked 13th in the AP poll and led by senior guard Hannah Hidalgo, would relish the opportunity to play on a large stage right before the college basketball season officially kicks off. Furthermore, the trip promised a special audience with the pope.

“I saw this as a great chance to challenge our team early in the season,” Ivey said. “We have women of faith in our group, and visiting the Vatican and exploring historic sites like the Colosseum adds value beyond basketball.” She emphasized the importance of giving her players life experiences alongside competitive basketball against worthy opponents.

The event, named the Eternal City Tip-off, will take place at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome with attendance around 8,500 fans, primarily Americans who traveled for the occasion. Fox-32 will televise the men’s game at 8:30 a.m. CT, while FS1 will cover the women’s game at 11 a.m.

Organizers conceived the event following Pope Leo XIV’s election in May 2025—marking the first papal election of an American-born pope. College basketball producer Steve Scheer presented the idea to Fox Sports executive Jordan Bazant, who in turn discussed it with Villanova men’s coach Kevin Willard. Villanova athletic director Eric Roedl also communicated with sports travel company OnLocation to see this matchup in Rome realized.

Ultimately, multiple organizations, including Notre Dame and Villanova, Fox Sports, OnLocation, and Players Era, collaborated to host the first U.S. college games in Rome. “This event is a perfect match for eternity,” remarked John Anthony from OnLocation.

Navigating this arrangement required negotiating with the NCAA and both conference commissioners, allowing for the season to start a day earlier, which Bazant called “appropriately challenging.” Discussions with Vatican officials elucidated necessary details, including whether games could occur on All Saints’ Day and if the pope would participate.

Games are scheduled for November 1, with those attending expected to participate in mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by an audience with Pope Leo XIV. While organizers express uncertainty about his attendance at the games, Vatican representatives have prepared accommodations if he attends.

Pope Leo XIV, known for his love of sports, humorously remarked on the expected fan turnout, predicting a stronger Villanova presence. His recent diagnosis and surgery for lung cancer complicated matters, but he reportedly recovered well with clearance for upcoming engagements in South America.

Students from Villanova celebrated their alma mater’s connection to the pope, enhancing the significance for participating teams and their fans. Notre Dame’s men’s player Ethan Roberts felt the occasion presented a “dream come true,” hoping for the chance to engage with the pope.

Event organizers aimed to create holistic experiences. Ian Orefice of Players Era emphasized the importance of meaningful events surrounding the games, alongside welcome receptions and involvement in Special Olympics activities. OnLocation’s co-founder added that planning included venue considerations, importing game essentials like basketball courts and video displays.

The games also featured financial incentives through NIL money, allocated to participating teams. Players Era leveraged these elements to enhance athletes’ opportunities and influence within college basketball.

Orefice expressed interest in perpetuating similar events annually, establishing a foundation where sports might foster unity and lasting cultural impacts.

Reflecting on the significance of the games ahead, Hannah Hidalgo acknowledged the special opportunity to play internationally as both a freshman and senior. “Being part of this unique experience is such a blessing,” she shared, recalling the energy in Paris as previous memorable.

For those missing this unique trip, organizers hope the distinctive nature of the event captures audiences’ interest amidst ongoing sports competitions. Taking advantage of a crowded sports calendar, they believe televised games will stand out.

Anthony summarized the event’s remarkable attributes, highlighting activities in Vatican City and potential papal interaction, offering a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for everyone involved. Participants will likely cherish memories long after the event concludes.