ORLANDO - Under the direction of first-year head coach Gabe Lazo, the UCF women’s basketball team announced its 2026-27 non-conference slate Wednesday afternoon. The 14-game slate is headlined by Power Four matchups against Florida and Florida State, a trip to Naples for the Florida Gulf Classic and 10 home contests.
Along with the regular-season matchups, the Knights will compete in a pair of exhibitions, travel to Birmingham, Alabama, for the Ballin/ in Boutwell against Auburn on Wednesday, October 14 before hosting St. Leo on Sunday, October 25.
The Knights open the Lazo era on Tuesday, November 3, against Florida A&M, providing fans the first chance to see the new squad in action. UCF has claimed eight-consecutive home openers and nine-straight against the Rattlers.
Days later, the Black and Gold will embark on a highly anticipated matchup with Florida in Gainesville on Thursday, November 5. The contest marks the first non-conference Power Four matchup on the road since 2022, and the first meeting between the Gators and Knights since UCF topped Florida in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Following the bout in Gainesville, the Black and Gold will return home for a five-match homestand across 10 days, featuring matchups with South Alabama on November 9, Austin Peay on November 11, LeMoyne on November 13, North Florida on November 17 and Stetson on November 19.
The busy stretch continues as two days later, the Knights will play Florida State in the WBCA Showcase at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports on November 21. The matchup marks the first between the two programs since 2011.
UCF will welcome Jacksonville to Orlando on Tuesday, November 24, before traveling down to Naples, Florida for the 2026 Florida Gulf Classic, as the Knights will face Central Michigan on Friday, November 27, before concluding play against Charlotte on Saturday, November 28.
A three-match homestand commences December and will guide UCF into Big 12 play. The Knights will welcome Tulane to Orlando on Wednesday, December 2, before meetings with Morgan State on Monday, December 7, and Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, December 15.
The 2026-27 Big 12 schedule will be announced at a later date.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
UCF women's basketball season tickets and anytime season tickets are on sale now. Be sure to catch all the action starting Nov. 3 as the Knights return to the court. Season tickets can be purchased online or by calling the ticket office at (407) 823-1000.
ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.