OU Cowgirls to reignite Bedlam rivalry as Oklahoma women’s basketball faces Oklahoma State in high‑stakes non‑conference showdown

This season marks a dramatic return of Bedlam women’s basketball as the University of Oklahoma Cowgirls prepare to face their in‑state rival Oklahoma State Cowgirls in a highly anticipated non‑conference matchup. The announcement, confirmed by sources close to the athletic departments of both universities, signifies a long‑awaited revival of the Bedlam rivalry in the women’s game after a two‑year hiatus.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State jointly confirmed this week that Bedlam women’s basketball will return during the 2025–26 season, with both schools scheduled to square off on December 13, 2025, at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center. The event is designed as a doubleheader including both men’s and women’s Bedlam games, giving fans the rare opportunity to experience two high‑level matchups in a single outing .

The Sooners women hold a commanding all‑time advantage in the Bedlam series against Oklahoma State, leading the head‑to‑head 69–47. Under head coach Jennie Baranczyk, OU has won six consecutive contests over the Cowgirls—including a decisive 91–56 victory in Norman on February 24, 2024 . The Cowgirls missed out on meeting OU last season due to OU’s move to the SEC, while OSU remained in the Big 12 Conference. As a result, the annual Bedlam matchup did not take place in women’s basketball during 2024–25 .

The return of women’s Bedlam to Paycom Center is symbolic. After OU’s departure from the Big 12 in the summer of 2024 made football Bedlam games infeasible until 2031, basketball remained one of the few ways to keep the rivalry alive. The December 13 doubleheader ensures both schools’ premier programs still cross paths, honoring tradition while adapting to changing conference alignments .

Tickets for the doubleheader will go on sale starting August 1 at 10 a.m. Central Time through Ticketmaster. OU season ticket holders will receive pre‑sale access by email, and students will be provided information once the fall semester begins . While tip‑off times have not yet been announced, organizers expect an enthusiastic turnout given the history and magnitude of the Bedlam rivalry.

OU’s women’s program under Jennie Baranczyk has flourished in recent seasons. Her squad earned strong national attention during the 2024–25 campaign and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. A marquee non‑conference matchup against Oklahoma State offers not only bragging rights but also a valuable boost to the team’s resume early in the season .

Conversely, the Cowgirls under head coach Jacie Hoyt are eager to make their mark. While they remain in the Big 12, their fortunes over the past several seasons have seen ups and downs. Beating Oklahoma’s storied program would offer a significant statement win and energize their fan base. The neutrality of the Paycom Center setting in Oklahoma City is viewed as a fair and strategic compromise to host the Bedlam rivalry in a singular venue neutral to both campuses.

This revival represents more than just another game. Bedlam is one of college sports’ oldest and fiercest rivalries, stretching across multiple sports and over a century of competition. While football meets are on hold for the foreseeable future due to realignment, basketball has emerged as the rallying point for maintaining the rivalry’s continuity. With OU transitioning to the SEC and OSU remaining in the Big 12, non‑conference basketball games offer a critical bridge between the schools’ athletic histories .

Institutional cooperation in organizing the doubleheader shows both universities are committed to preserving Bedlam’s legacy. They view these games not only as sporting events but as cultural touchstones that unite alumni, students, and fans across Oklahoma. Paycom Center, already home to the 2024–25 NBA champion Thunder, provides a prime setting with a capacity of roughly 18,000 and a history of hosting successful Bedlam events .

Expectations are high for a tightly contested women’s game. OU’s recent dominance has bred confidence among Sooners supporters, but OSU has talent and motivation to end the streak. The stakes are further intensified by the rarity of non‑conference Bedlam meetings due to conference divergence.

OU’s media relations emphasized the broader planning: this matchup is part of a broader strategy to sustain Bedlam in all revenue sports even as conference affiliations shift. Fans with a single ticket will enjoy both women’s and men’s contests, and organizers hope the compact schedule fuels greater attendance and enthusiasm .

Baranczyk expressed optimism over the opportunity: the Cowgirls welcome every chance to showcase their program on a big stage, particularly in front of so many fans from both sides. OSU officials echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of rivalry and the excitement this game will generate statewide.

The December 13 doubleheader also offers recruiting benefits. Young prospects from across Oklahoma and the region who witness this Bedlam event in December may be swayed by the electric environment and visibility. Both programs seek to leverage this exposure to build depth and momentum heading into conference play.

Journalists and insiders describe the scheduling of both men’s and women’s games at Paycom Center as a smart evolution—commonly referred to now as “Bedlam Basketball” rather than simply football or one sport. With the women’s game returning after an absence, fans will finally get the full traditional experience again—a true Bedlam doubleheader .

Historically, the women’s teams played annually from 1975 through 2024. The absence during 2024–25 left a notable void in tradition. Now, the full slate of basketball rivalries will resume with renewed vigor and shared venue, reinforcing the narrative that Bedlam transcends conference boundaries .

As December approaches, anticipation will build. OU season ticket holders and OSU fans alike will line up for pre‑sales. Public demand is expected to surge when general sale opens on August 1. Observers predict that both games will sell out quickly, especially given the opportunity to see both matchups with one ticket in a major city venue.

While grant of home‑and‑home series remains uncertain in future seasons, this one‑time neutral‑site arrangement establishes a blueprint for keeping Bedlam alive. If successful, similar doubleheaders could be extended to future seasons, preserving rivalry continuity for both men’s and women’s programs.

In summary, the December 13, 2025 Bedlam women’s basketball game represents far more than a regular season contest. It revives a storied rivalry, reengages fan bases, and underscores the dedication of both universities to sustain athletic tradition amid conference realignment. With the OU Cowgirls’ advantage, OSU’s drive, the neutral atmosphere of Paycom Center, and the doubleheader format, this matchup is shaping up to be one of the marquee highlights of the 2025–26 college basketball season.

Expect energy, passion, and renewed rivalry as Bedlam women’s basketball returns to the forefront—source confirms authentic revival, and Oklahoma women’s basketball fans across the state will be watching.