The women’s superclásico between Quilmes and Peñarol will not open the 2026/27 National Women’s Basketball League season because two other matches take place two hours earlier, though it stands as the opening round’s premier attraction. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Nuevo José Martínez stadium, where the two newly promoted Mar del Plata rivals collide in the top tier under referees Nahuel Casalot and Agustín Szechenyi in Zona C.
A Record Expansion Across Three Zones
The tenth edition of La Liga Femenina opens with a historic milestone of 20 teams distributed across three distinct groups, according to official league announcements. This expansion moves the league closer to the competition's tenth anniversary under the Asociación de Clubes. Historical institutions return to the top flight for the new campaign, including Peñarol making its first appearance since 2017 alongside Vélez and Boca Juniors. Meanwhile, Bahía Blanca reclaims a spot in the elite tier through Unión Bahía playing at the Manu Ginóbili stadium.
Regional Rivalry Renewed in Mar del Plata
Quilmes and Peñarol share Zona C alongside seven total teams that play a double round-robin schedule totaling 12 matches, with the top four advancing to the semifinal play-offs. Local reports note that the rivals met twice during the Provincial Seniors League. Peñarol won the debut 59–55 at Luro y Guido, while Quilmes claimed the rematch 63–43 at the Domingo Robles arena. Quilmes captured the provincial title and added forward Krystal Cordara, power forward Gisel Botta, and centers Maitena Merino Parra and María Rocío Sagardoy, while retaining guard Juana Barrionuevo and veteran point guard Micaela Sancisi under coach Daiana Di Benedetto.
Experienced Additions Bolster Peñarol
Peñarol finished third in the Provincial League and rebuilt its roster under experienced head coach Javier Bianchelli, assisted by Diego Vidal, Lola Barbero, and physical trainer Lisandro Teijeiro. The squad retains promotion pillars Tamara Dell Olio, Guadalupe Demársico, Valeria De Cabo, Camila Weiske, Paloma Bonzi, Federica Laganá, and 42-year-old veteran Celeste Selent.
South American Champions Join the Elite Field
League communications confirm that the 2026/27 tournament features several members of the Argentina national team that captured the 2026 South American championship. Laila Raviolo joins Deportivo Berazategui, Sofía Lombardero signs with Vélez, Julia Fernández moves to Boca, Dalma Piri stays with Ferro, and Agostina Burani competes for Obras. The Asociación de Clubes also established an official ball partnership with CH1 through the 2030/31 season, using the FIBA Level 1 certified ATRIA 3500 model across all league fixtures.
Five Fixtures Start Opening Day on October 10
Opening day action features five fixtures on Saturday, October 10, including Obras versus Unión Florida, El Talar against Ferro, Chañares hosting Rocamora, San José facing Sociedad Española, and Boca meeting Vélez. Sunday’s slate continues with Náutico versus Regatas de San Nicolás, Hindú against Instituto, Independiente hosting El Biguá in Neuquén, and the Mar del Plata clash between Quilmes and Peñarol. Deportivo Berazategui plays Regatas on Monday to round out the initial matchweek before teams contest the Apertura group stage leading toward the national playoffs.
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