The University of Kansas women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season, and fans have plenty to look forward to as the Jayhawks’ schedule was officially unveiled this week. Among the highlights are the renewal of two key matchups—against long-time border rival Missouri and neighboring program Haskell Indian Nations University—adding extra anticipation to a season that already promised to be filled with energy and competition.
A Rivalry Rekindled: KU vs. Missouri
The most notable inclusion on the schedule is the return of the fierce rivalry between Kansas and Missouri. Once a staple of the Big 12 Conference before Missouri’s move to the SEC in 2012, the Border Showdown is rich in history, passion, and regional pride. The rivalry had largely gone dormant for the women’s basketball programs, but this season, it returns in full force with a non-conference game set to take place in late November.
Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider expressed enthusiasm about renewing the historic rivalry. “This is a game that means something special to both programs and to our fans,” Schneider said. “We’re thrilled to bring it back and give our student-athletes the chance to experience what it’s like to compete in such a high-intensity atmosphere.”
The game will be played at Allen Fieldhouse, giving KU a home-court advantage in what’s sure to be one of the most anticipated non-conference games of the season. Missouri, coming off a rebuilding year under new leadership, will be looking to reassert itself, while Kansas sees the matchup as a critical early-season test that could set the tone for conference play.
Embracing Local Ties: KU vs. Haskell
Another game that holds deep cultural and community significance is KU’s scheduled exhibition contest against Haskell Indian Nations University, located just a few miles from the KU campus in Lawrence. Haskell, a proud institution with a long history of Indigenous education and athletics, will make the short trip to Allen Fieldhouse for what promises to be a spirited and symbolic game.
This matchup, while technically an exhibition, carries a strong message of unity and mutual respect between two institutions that share a community. It’s not the first time KU and Haskell have met on the hardwood, but bringing the game back into the fold this season reinforces the Jayhawks’ commitment to engaging with local programs and celebrating the diversity that exists in their own backyard.
Schneider noted that playing Haskell is more than just about competition. “It’s important that we honor our local partnerships and support the great work being done just down the road. Playing Haskell gives us that chance and helps spotlight women’s basketball across all levels.”
Other Key Games on the Schedule
Beyond Missouri and Haskell, KU’s non-conference slate includes a blend of Power Five showdowns and mid-major tests designed to sharpen the team for a tough Big 12 campaign. The Jayhawks will participate in the annual Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas, where they are slated to face top-tier programs like Tennessee and NC State. Those early games will challenge the roster and provide valuable experience against NCAA Tournament-caliber opposition.
Kansas will also host Arkansas and travel to Arizona State, adding further firepower to an already strong non-conference schedule. These games are strategic, giving the Jayhawks exposure to various playing styles before they dive into the always-competitive Big 12 Conference grind.
Big 12 Battles Ahead
Once conference play begins, KU will face all the traditional powerhouses, including Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma. The Big 12, which continues to grow in strength on the women’s basketball side, has become one of the most grueling leagues in the nation. But Kansas enters this season with momentum, coming off back-to-back postseason appearances and returning a strong core led by senior guard Holly Kersgieter and rising star S’Mya Nichols.
The coaching staff has also brought in a promising freshman class and two experienced transfers expected to contribute immediately. That depth will be crucial as Kansas navigates a grueling schedule packed with road trips and back-to-back showdowns.
Building on Momentum
With the return of fan-favorite matchups like Missouri and Haskell, along with high-level competition across the board, this season represents an important moment for Kansas women’s basketball. The program has steadily rebuilt under Schneider, and with the roster’s mix of veterans and new talent, expectations are rising.
The Jayhawks hope the renewed rivalries and challenging schedule will not only sharpen their play on the court but also generate more excitement in the stands. Allen Fieldhouse is legendary for its basketball environment, and the women’s team is aiming to draw larger, louder crowds as they continue their climb in the Big 12 hierarchy.
In all, the 2025-26 KU women’s basketball schedule strikes a careful balance between honoring history, fostering community, and preparing for postseason contention. With battles old and new on the horizon, it’s shaping up to
be a season fans won’t want to miss.
