The 2004 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament began on March 20 and concluded on April 6 when Connecticut won a third consecutive national championship, becoming only the second school in history to accomplish such a feat.

UConn's Diana Taurasi was named Most Outstanding Player for the second consecutive year.

The tournament was also notable as UC Santa Barbara became the first double digit seed not to lose by a double-digit margin in the Sweet 16 as they lost to UConn 63–57.

Sixteen sites for the first two rounds were determined approximately a year before the team selections and seedings were completed, following a practice established in 2003.

[3] The following table lists the region, host school, venue and the sixteen first and second round locations:[4] The Regionals, named for the general location, were held from March 27 to March 30 at these sites:[4] Each regional winner advanced to the Final Four held April 4 and April 6 in New Orleans at the New Orleans Arena (Host: Tulane University) The sixty-four teams came from thirty-two states, plus Washington, D.C. Tennessee had the most teams with six bids.