UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma has never been one to hold back his opinions, and recently, he voiced strong criticism toward the NCAA regarding how it has managed the women’s tournament. Auriemma, known for leading one of the most successful programs in college basketball history, expressed concern over what he perceives as ongoing issues in how the NCAA treats the women’s side of the sport compared to the men’s.
According to Auriemma, there are still significant disparities between the men’s and women’s tournaments in terms of promotion, resources, and overall respect. He pointed out that despite the growth in viewership and the increasing popularity of women’s college basketball, the NCAA has been slow to adapt and invest at a level that reflects the sport’s progress. Auriemma highlighted areas such as tournament logistics, media exposure, and scheduling—suggesting that these elements are not being handled with the same attention or care given to the men’s tournament.
His comments suggest frustration not just with the current state of the tournament, but with what he sees as a lack of urgency and vision from NCAA leadership to elevate the women’s game. Auriemma emphasized that the players, coaches, and fans deserve better, especially with how far the sport has come.
By speaking out, Auriemma adds his voice to a growing number of coaches and players advocating for fairness and improvements in how women’s college basketball is supported. His message was clear: the NCAA must do more to treat the women’s tournament with the same seriousness and dedication as the men’s.
