South Carolina and Southern Cal Women’s Basketball Set to Compete in Los Angeles and Greenville

In a major development for women’s college basketball, the University of South Carolina and University of Southern California have announced a two-season, bicoastal series titled “The Real SC.” The highly anticipated matchups will take place over the next two seasons, with the first game scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles, followed by the second contest on November 15, 2026, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Both teams are strong contenders for the national championship this year. South Carolina recently clinched the Southeastern Conference tournament title in Greenville and is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation. Meanwhile, Southern Cal fell short in the Big Ten Conference tournament championship game in Indianapolis, yet remains highly ranked at No. 4.

South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, emphasized the importance of scheduling games that elevate women’s basketball, stating, “I will always choose elevating women’s basketball and that’s especially true in scheduling. I know Complete Sports Management has the same mission, and I like their creativity in bringing not just two great programs together but engaging their fan bases on both coasts in a debate they love to have.”

Under Staley, South Carolina has won three national championships and appeared in four consecutive Final Fours. The Gamecocks have also secured nine SEC regular-season and nine SEC Tournament titles over the past 11 seasons. On the other hand, Southern Cal boasts two NCAA titles, three Final Four appearances, five regular-season conference titles, and two conference tournament titles, dating back to its dominant years in the 1980s.

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed excitement for the upcoming series: “We are excited to participate in this high-quality, highly-anticipated event. We have so much respect for South Carolina and Coach Staley’s program and in growing our own program have looked to meet the moment by taking on the best possible challenges. To be able to battle for ‘The Real SC’ right here at Crypto Arena in LA is truly a special opportunity.”

The rivalry over the “SC” branding has a rich history. In 2008, Southern California won the trademark for the interlocking ‘SC’ logo after a six-year battle with South Carolina. This series adds another layer to the longstanding competition between the two schools.

“We are so excited to bring the major non-conference matchup between the two SCs to the forefront and showcase women’s college basketball to the world,” said Lea Miller-Tooley, President of Complete Sports Management. “Complete Sports Management is proud to put on display the competitive excellence and prestige of these programs on the West Coast in a city filled with love for the game and on the East Coast where the love for women’s basketball has grown to new heights in recent years.”