Vanderbilt women’s basketball is heading to Paris to kick off its 2025–26 season in style. The Commodores will face off against Cal on November 3 at the iconic Adidas Arena as part of the third annual Oui-Play Paris showcase. More than just a game, this international matchup offers student-athletes a global platform to represent their team, university, and the growth of women’s sports worldwide.
A Season Opener With Global Significance
The matchup between Vanderbilt and Cal marks a bold beginning to the season, set against the cultural backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities. The game will be played during the Oui-Play Paris showcase, an event designed to spotlight college basketball talent while fostering international sports diplomacy.
Taking the court in Paris provides a one-of-a-kind experience for both programs, offering players a chance to compete at the highest level while engaging with a global audience.
Coach Shea Ralph on the Opportunity
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph shared her excitement in a university release: “We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Candice Storey Lee and our Vanderbilt administration for giving us this truly special opportunity to showcase our basketball team and university on an international stage.”
Under Ralph’s leadership, the Commodores have focused on building a team culture of excellence, integrity, and purpose, making this global debut a natural next step in the program’s evolution.
Oui-Play Paris: More Than a Game
The Oui-Play initiative is more than just a sporting event. It’s a platform for connection, culture, and community. Created to expand the global reach of NCAA women’s basketball, Oui-Play Paris unites elite programs to celebrate sport, education, and international exchange.
By participating, Vanderbilt joins a growing movement to elevate women’s college basketball on the world stage, showing that the game knows no borders.
A Moment for the Players
For the student-athletes, this trip is about more than competition. It’s about broadening their horizons, representing their school with pride, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Playing overseas allows these young women to embrace new cultures while showcasing their athleticism and teamwork to a diverse, global audience.
Opportunities like this can be transformative—not just for the players, but for fans and future recruits who see what’s possible through sports.
Looking Ahead to Tipoff
Vanderbilt’s showdown with Cal in Paris is set for November 3 and promises to be a compelling matchup between two respected programs. While the game will be the official season opener, its implications stretch far beyond the scoreboard.
This is about momentum—for women’s basketball, Vanderbilt, and the broader movement empowering women through sport.
From Nashville to Paris and Beyond
As women’s sports continue to grow in visibility and influence, events like Oui-Play Paris reflect a new era where female athletes take center stage on global platforms. Vanderbilt’s season opener in Paris is not just a game; it’s a statement about how far women’s basketball has come and where it’s headed next.
And for the Commodores, this journey to Paris is only the beginning.
