South Carolina Set to Face Duke in Players Era Championship

LAS VEGAS, NV – The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks will face the Duke Blue Devils in the Players Era Championship on November 26, 2025, at 4:30 PM. This matchup marks the start of a highly anticipated tournament featuring some of the nation’s top women’s basketball teams.

South Carolina enters the game with an impressive 6-0 record this season, while Duke struggles with a 3-3 record after a recent upset against South Florida. Gamecock head coach Dawn Staley expressed confidence in her team, emphasizing their strong defense and ability to perform under pressure.

“We’ve prepared well and are ready for this challenge,” Staley said. “Our focus is on executing our game plan and maintaining our momentum throughout the tournament.”

In their last meeting, South Carolina defeated Duke in the NCAA Final Four, a game that ended 54-50 in Birmingham, Alabama. This history will add an extra layer of intensity to the game on Wednesday.

The Players Era Championship is notable not only for its competitive field but also as an opportunity for athletes to benefit financially. Each player will receive a share of $1 million in NIL money, approximately $75,000 each, providing further incentive for a strong performance.

South Carolina’s offense has been particularly effective, scoring 90.6 percent of their victories against ranked teams over the last five seasons. The Gamecocks also dominate with top defensive stats, ranking second in the nation in blocks per game.

Duke will need to overcome recent inconsistencies to compete effectively. With a roster that entered the season with high expectations, the Blue Devils aim to bounce back against a strong Gamecock team.

Following this game, South Carolina will continue in the tournament on November 27, facing either No. 3 UCLA or No. 4 Texas. The championship game will follow on Thanksgiving, ensuring an exciting conclusion to the inaugural event.