UConn's Geno Auriemma Responds to Durant's Praise of Huskies Women's Basketball

Auriemma acknowledges the loss of the Connecticut Sun WNBA franchise, but says UConn's dominance fills the void for Connecticut sports fans.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, sky blue, and crimson red, conveying the loss of the Connecticut Sun franchise and the enduring prominence of UConn basketball.The departure of the Connecticut Sun leaves a void in the state's professional sports landscape, but UConn basketball remains the dominant force.Norwalk Today

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma responded to NBA star Kevin Durant's recent comments praising the Huskies program as a 'pro franchise' that will help fill the void left by the relocation of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun to Houston. Auriemma acknowledged the Sun's success in building a local fan base, but said UConn basketball, both men's and women's, has long been the top professional sports draw in the state.

Why it matters

The departure of the Connecticut Sun is a significant loss for the state, which has now lost its only remaining major professional sports franchise. However, Auriemma believes UConn basketball's dominance and national profile will help ease the sting for Connecticut fans, who have long embraced the Huskies as their de facto professional teams.

The details

The Connecticut Sun will relocate to Houston ahead of the 2027 WNBA season following a $300 million sale. In the wake of this news, NBA star Kevin Durant praised UConn women's basketball as a 'pro franchise' that will help fill the void left by the Sun's departure. Auriemma acknowledged Durant's compliment, noting that UConn basketball, both men's and women's, has long been treated as a professional-level program in a state without any other major league sports teams.

  • The Connecticut Sun's relocation to Houston was announced last Friday.
  • Durant made his comments about UConn basketball during a halftime ceremony honoring the now-defunct Houston Comets on Tuesday.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to 12 national championships and 25 Final Fours over his four-decade tenure.

Kevin Durant

An NBA superstar who played alongside several former UConn stars, including Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Diana Taurasi, during the 2024 Olympics.

Curt Miller

The current general manager of the Dallas Wings and the former head coach who helped the Connecticut Sun establish a robust local fan base in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“That is a heck of a compliment from KD. But I think that's one of the advantages that we have up in Connecticut, that UConn basketball, men's and women's, are pro franchises.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

“But they've got UConn basketball — they'll be alright.”

— Kevin Durant

What’s next

The Connecticut Sun will officially relocate to Houston ahead of the 2027 WNBA season, ending the franchise's 24-year run in Uncasville.

The takeaway

While the loss of the Connecticut Sun is a blow to the state's professional sports landscape, Geno Auriemma believes UConn basketball's national prominence and loyal fan base will help fill the void left by the WNBA franchise's departure. The Huskies' consistent success and treatment as a 'pro franchise' in a state without any other major league teams gives them a unique advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.