Memphis opens its 2026-27 women’s basketball season with two home games under first-year coach Hana Haden: LeMoyne-Owen on Nov. 2 and Middle Tennessee on Nov. 6. The Tigers return four players and add eight newcomers, including seven transfers and one freshman. Both games tip off at 6 p.m. at Elma Roane Fieldhouse and air on ESPN+.

By the Numbers
  • 4 returners and 8 newcomers make up Memphis’ roster additions and returning core.
  • Memphis is 24-20 in season openers and has won 11 of its last 15.
  • Middle Tennessee leads the all-time series 12-5 and has won the last 7 meetings.
Yes, But

Memphis opens against Division II LeMoyne-Owen, but its second game is a tougher test: Middle Tennessee went 17-16 last season, reached the WNIT and has dominated the recent series.

State of Play
  • Haden begins her first season leading a roster with four returning players, including last season’s leading scorer, Daejah Richmond, and top rebounder, Tamya Smith.
  • LeMoyne-Owen went 3-24 in its coach’s first season; Middle Tennessee enters under first-year coach Matt Insell.
What's Next

Memphis will look to start Haden’s tenure with a home win over LeMoyne-Owen, then try to end its losing streak against Middle Tennessee on Nov. 6.

Bottom Line

Two early home games offer Memphis a quick first look at its new coach and reshaped roster—with Friday’s matchup providing the clearest early test.