Pope Francis may get the chance to see his alma mater Villanova play in person as Notre Dame and Villanova launch the season in Rome, Italy

College basketball usually begins in the most familiar way possible: loud student sections, packed arenas, and the kind of early-season excitement that feels uniquely American.

But for the 2026–2027 season, two major programs are preparing to start things in a way nobody will forget anytime soon — in the heart of Rome.

Notre Dame and Villanova are finalizing plans to open the men’s and women’s basketball seasons overseas, creating a historic doubleheader that could even catch the attention of the Vatican.

Notre Dame and Villanova Are Taking Tip-Off to Italy

According to a report from CBS Sports, both schools have received special permission from the NCAA to begin their seasons on November 1 with games in Rome.

That is one day before the official start of the college basketball season, which normally begins on November 2.

The NCAA reportedly approved a waiver earlier this year because of the unique nature of the event and the precedent it could set for future international openers.

Instead of starting the season in a traditional U.S. arena, these teams may be opening under the lights of one of the most iconic cities in the world.

A Matchup With Deep Catholic Connections

This isn’t just a fun overseas showcase.

The schools involved have major ties to the Catholic world, which is part of what makes this event so unusual and meaningful.

Villanova has a direct connection to Pope Leo XIV, who is an alumnus of the university.

Before becoming pope, he was Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, and he graduated from Villanova in 1977.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, is widely considered the most prominent Catholic university in the world and even has a significant presence in Rome through its academic programs and campus outpost there.

When you put those connections together, this game becomes more than basketball. It becomes a cultural moment.

Could Pope Leo XIV Watch His Alma Mater Play?

One of the biggest storylines floating around this matchup is the possibility of Pope Leo XIV attending in person.

The pope is known as a passionate sports fan.

During his time as pontiff, he has already welcomed athletes and championship teams into the Vatican, including SSC Napoli after their Serie A title in May 2025 and Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner.

Many people have also seen the viral photo of him attending Game 1 of the Chicago White Sox’s World Series run back in 2005, long before his papacy.

With Villanova playing so close to Vatican City, the idea of the pope showing up courtside has sparked plenty of excitement.

Still, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has said it is far too early to know whether Leo will take part in the event.

The Olympic-Era Arena Hosting the Doubleheader

The games are expected to take place at the Palazzetto dello Sport, also known as PalaTiziano.

It’s a historic venue that seats about 3,500 people and was originally built in the late 1950s for the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

Even more interesting is the location.

The arena is only about half an hour away from the pope’s residence inside Vatican City, making the possibility of an appearance feel at least realistic, even if not guaranteed.

Conversations With the Vatican Are Already Happening

Behind the scenes, officials from both universities have reportedly been in contact with the pope and members of the Holy See.

Notre Dame leadership had a private meeting with Pope Leo in November 2025, and Villanova representatives attended his inaugural Mass.

Those interactions suggest that this event is being treated as something significant beyond just sports scheduling.

A Potential First in Men’s College Basketball History

For the men’s teams, this matchup could break new ground.

It is believed this would be the first time an NCAA men’s college basketball season opener has been held outside the United States.

That would be a major milestone, especially as college athletics continues to expand globally through international recruiting, overseas showcases, and growing worldwide interest in American sports.

Notre Dame Women Have Experience Abroad

While the men’s opener may be unprecedented, Notre Dame’s women have already taken part in international regular-season play.

They opened the 2023–2024 season with a major matchup against South Carolina in Paris, showing that women’s college basketball has already begun embracing global stages.

This Rome trip would be another major step in that direction.

What’s Next?

In the coming months, the final details of the Rome doubleheader are expected to be confirmed, including official game times, travel logistics, and fan access.

The biggest question, of course, remains whether Pope Leo XIV will attend or publicly acknowledge the event.

If he does, it would instantly become one of the most memorable season openers in college basketball history.

And if the games are a success, they could open the door for more NCAA programs to begin their seasons on international stages in the future.

Summary

Notre Dame and Villanova are preparing to open the 2026–2027 men’s and women’s college basketball seasons with a historic doubleheader in Rome on November 1.

The NCAA granted a waiver allowing the early start, and the event is drawing attention because Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus and well-known sports fan, may have the chance to watch his alma mater play just minutes from Vatican City.

With the games set in an Olympic-era arena and both schools maintaining close ties to the Catholic world, this could become one of the most unique and talked-about season openers college basketball has ever seen.