The women's college basketball transfer portal opened one week later than it did last year, but that hasn't curtailed the activity. Since it opened March 24, more than 1,200 players have entered. Just over 100 have already committed to new schools, but with the portal open for another three weeks much more activity is expected.

The Gamecocks opened at +450 on ESPN Bet to win the 2026 women’s NCAA basketball tournament, which put them at the top of the odds board over USC (opening odds: +500) and 2025’s newly-minted champion, UConn (+600). Texas, Notre Dame and LSU opened tied for fourth at +750, while UCLA opened just behind at +850.