Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey was excited when she learned about the plan. Inspired by the election of Pope Leo XIV, organizers proposed holding basketball games in Rome. Villanova, the pope’s alma mater, would face off against Notre Dame, another notable Catholic university in the United States, near the pope’s childhood home in Dolton.
Ivey had previously taken her team to Paris for a season-opener in 2023. She knew that an international game would be special for her players, many of whom had never traveled abroad. Her team, ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press poll, led by senior guard Hannah Hidalgo, was eager for the opportunity. The event was set to take place on a significant stage, a day before the official college basketball season began. Additionally, the trip offered the possibility of an audience with the pope.
“I thought this was a perfect opportunity for us to really get challenged early but also have that experience,” Ivey said. “We have a really strong group of women of faith, and I felt like this is an experience that they’ll have, being able to visit the Vatican and see the Colosseum. Being here at Notre Dame is bigger than basketball, and this is an opportunity for them to have some life experiences while also playing great basketball against a great opponent.”
The Notre Dame and Villanova teams will compete at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome. The games are expected to draw about 8,500 fans, mostly Americans supporting their teams. The men will tip off at 8:30 a.m. CT on Fox-32, followed by the women’s game at 11 a.m. on FS1.
The concept was born after Leo’s election as the first American pope in May 2025. College basketball producer Steve Scheer shared the idea with Fox Sports executive Jordan Bazant, who discussed it with Villanova men’s coach Kevin Willard over drinks. Villanova’s athletic director Eric Roedl contacted John Anthony, executive vice president of OnLocation, proposing a matchup in Rome. Leadership from both universities, along with Fox Sports, OnLocation, and Players Era, joined forces to bring this idea to life.
Efforts led by Bazant, along with conference commissioners, sought NCAA approval to start the season a day earlier. The universities coordinated with Vatican officials to sort out details regarding game logistics and Pope Leo XIV’s potential involvement. Eventually, they agreed to play the games on November 1 in Rome, with tickets sold to many Villanova fans and a portion reserved for Italians. Though Pope Leo, a sports enthusiast, would love to attend, his recent health issues may prevent him.
Anthony expressed gratitude for the pope’s recovery and the opportunity to keep the audience schedule. Players and fans attending the event on Saturday would participate in a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, and later meet the pope at Paul VI Audience Hall. Though unsure if Leo will attend the games, arrangements at the stadium are ready if he does.
Notre Dame men’s player Ethan Roberts shared his excitement about the trip. He hopes this rare encounter might allow him to speak with the pope and ask for a blessing. The holistic experience was a primary goal for organizers. Ian Orefice, CEO of EverWonder Studio, emphasized meaningful events leading to the games, including welcome receptions and a Special Olympics event. OnLocation and Players Era have ensured a venue offering expected modern amenities and financial contributions to teams, with significant NIL money on the table.
“We wanted this to be more than a collection of two great basketball programs playing two games overseas,” Orefice said. “We wanted this to be an opportunity where sports could unite. Our goal was to ensure a lasting impact.”
Ivey learned from previous trips to Paris and prepared her team for the adjustments required for this international game. The team departed Wednesday to adapt to the new time zone and environment. Hidalgo, a top-performing player, viewed this as another incredible opportunity. Her earlier overseas games had left a lasting impression, and playing again abroad was deeply meaningful to her.
Bazant hoped the event would capture TV audiences despite a packed sports weekend. The international game would distinguish itself as a major highlight of the sports calendar.
While Coaches Era and Orefice were busy with plans for the first international college game, they hoped to establish this as an annual event. However, the upcoming game in Rome remains unique. Anthony noted that even without the pope’s attendance, the weekend’s events, including mass and a papal audience, created memories for a lifetime.
“If Pope Leo is able to make it to the game, it’s a once-in-eternity experience,” Anthony said. But he emphasized that the overall significance of the weekend would resonate with participants for years.