Brief

Villanova and Notre Dame to play historic basketball doubleheader in Rome

The Catholic universities will stage the Eternal City Tip‑Off in Rome, with Pope Leo XIV expected to greet the teams.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:08:12 GMT

Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame will hold a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader in Rome on Nov. 1, marking the start of the college basketball season, according to the Independent.

What happened

The idea originated an hour after Robert Prevost was elected the first American pope, when Villanova’s athletic director texted sports‑travel expert John Anthony about a game in the Vatican. Anthony replied, “YES. I’M SERIOUS. WE’RE GOING TO DO THIS.” One and a half years later the plan is set to become reality, with the games scheduled at the 11,000‑seat Palazzo dello Sport, about a half‑hour from the Vatican.

What the reports add

The Independent notes that the event, dubbed the Eternal City Tip‑Off, will include a private audience on Oct. 31 for the four teams and their fans in the Paul VI audience hall, where about 7,000 people are expected. Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, is slated to hold the audience health‑wise, though his recent lung‑cancer diagnosis and recent lung‑lobe surgery may affect his participation.

What was said

Rev. Rob Hagan, Villanova’s chaplain, said, “He will know who they (the players) are. He’s a true, blue Villanovan,” and added that Leo “is not unfamiliar with Notre Dame and their history and legacy.” John Anthony, the travel expert, said the games “are a unifying occasion that sport uniquely can do.” Pope Leo XIV, when asked about the match on a recent papal plane trip, said, “They tell me that the people coming to the match, 90% are Villanova and 10% Notre Dame, so the voice of the people of God will be very strong on the Villanova side.” Anthony later clarified the fan split would not be nine‑to‑one.

How it came about

The concept was sparked by the election of Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) and quickly turned into a concrete plan after Anthony’s enthusiastic response. The games will be played in the historic Palazzo dello Sport, where Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) boxed during the 1960 Rome Olympics. While the arena is close to the Vatican, the pope is not expected to attend the games as a spectator, consistent with papal protocol for international sports events.

Key facts

Villanova and Notre Dame will play a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader in Rome on Nov. 1. (independent.co.uk)
The games will be held at the 11,000‑seat Palazzo dello Sport. (independent.co.uk)
A private audience with Pope Leo XIV and the four teams is scheduled for Oct. 31 in the Paul VI audience hall. (independent.co.uk)
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer and had part of his right lung removed last week. (independent.co.uk)
Rev. Rob Hagan described Leo as a "true, blue Villanovan" and familiar with Notre Dame’s legacy. (independent.co.uk)