Gamecocks Begin Season Against Grand Canyon on November 3

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 2/2 South Carolina women’s basketball team officially starts its 2025-26 season on Monday, Nov. 3, against the Grand Canyon Lopes. The game will take place at Colonial Life Arena, beginning at 7 p.m. A pre-game ceremony to honor last season’s achievements will start at 6:40 p.m.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with an early entry for fans involved in the Fast Break Pass Giveaway set for 5:30 p.m. This marks South Carolina’s first home opener since the 2022-23 season.

Head coach Dawn Staley‘s Gamecocks are 15-2 in season openers during her tenure, with five of those games against ranked opponents. South Carolina has an 8-1 record when opening the season at home under Staley.

Last week, South Carolina won both of its exhibition games, notably defeating No. 11 North Carolina 91-56. Joyce Edwards was a standout performer, averaging 19.5 points per game during the exhibitions.

Meanwhile, Grand Canyon will play its first regular-season game with new head coach Winston Gandy, who was previously an assistant at South Carolina. The Lopes are moving from the WAC to the Mountain West conference and aim to make a strong impression against the national runner-up.

As of Monday afternoon, South Carolina is heavily favored to win, with betting odds placing the Gamecocks a 39.5-point favorite. Fans can stream the game on SEC Network+ using their TV provider credentials.

The Gamecocks are looking to build on a successful last season, in which they achieved significant milestones, including reaching the Final Four.