Sat Mar 29 15:40:00 UTC 2025: **UConn Coach Auriemma Slams NCAA Women’s Tournament Super Regional Format**

SPOKANE, WA – University of Connecticut Huskies coach Geno Auriemma has once again voiced his strong disapproval of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament’s two-site super regional format, calling it “game-ruining.” This is UConn’s third year facing the logistical challenges of the system, which replaced four regional sites in 2023.

Auriemma cited cramped practice schedules, difficulties securing hotel accommodations, and grueling travel as major drawbacks. The Huskies, for instance, had a one-hour practice at 8 a.m. Friday due to scheduling conflicts with other teams sharing the arena. Their Saturday shootaround will be even earlier. The winning team from the Spokane super regional faces a cross-country trip to Tampa, Florida, for the Final Four, adding further strain. This is compounded by the women’s Final Four’s Friday-Sunday schedule, providing less preparation time than the men’s tournament.

The coach argued that a return to four regional sites would alleviate many of these problems, allowing for more reasonable practice times and reducing travel burdens. While the NCAA implemented the two-site format to combat declining attendance, Auriemma contends that the current structure prioritizes television revenue over the well-being and fair competition of the teams. The current format is locked in until 2028, although some future sites offer more geographical convenience than others. While no conclusive data exists yet, neither of the last two West Super Regional winners have gone on to win the national championship.

Auriemma’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the NCAA women’s basketball tournament structure and the impact of its decisions on participating teams.

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