Geno Auriemma Critiques NCAA Women’s Tournament Format, Calls for Changes

Geno Auriemma Critiques NCAA Women’s Tournament Format, Calls for Changes

Geno Auriemma, the renowned head coach of the UConn Huskies, recently voiced his concerns regarding the current structure of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. As he prepared his team for the Sweet 16 matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners, Auriemma directed his frustrations towards the tournament system.

In 2023, the women’s basketball tournament adopted a new format, consolidating regional semifinals and finals to only two sites in the country. This means teams now compete either in Birmingham, Alabama, or Spokane, Washington, during this critical part of the tournament.

The decision to contain eight teams at each regional venue has raised eyebrows. Although the aim may have been to streamline the tournament, Auriemma argues that it has significantly affected fans’ ability to participate in person. During a news conference, he remarked that the changes have, in his view,