Auriemma criticizes NCAA's women's March Madness format

UConn coach says double-regional setup doesn't benefit teams or fans

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, powder blue, and crimson red conveying the complex strategic nature of the sport.Geno Auriemma's critique of the NCAA's women's tournament format aims to reshape the event's structure and fan experience.Fort Worth Today

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma has strongly criticized the NCAA's double-regional format being used in the women's NCAA Tournament, saying it doesn't make sense for the teams still playing or in efforts to grow the game. Auriemma cited issues with attendance, poor shooting percentages, and teams having to come to the arena early and late on the same day under the current setup, which is in its fourth year and set to continue for at least five more.

Why it matters

As one of the most successful and influential coaches in women's basketball, Auriemma's comments carry significant weight. The NCAA's format changes for the women's tournament have been a point of discussion, with some arguing the double-regional setup dilutes the event's prestige and makes it less accessible for fans.

The details

The double-regional format requires teams to play in two different regional sites over the course of the tournament. Auriemma criticized this, saying it negatively impacts attendance, shooting percentages, and forces teams to spend long hours at the arena on game days.

  • The double-regional format has been in place for the last four women's NCAA Tournaments.
  • The format is set to continue for at least five more years.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, who has won 12 national championships.

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What they’re saying

“It doesn't make sense for the teams still playing or in efforts to grow the game.”

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

The takeaway

As one of the most respected voices in women's basketball, Auriemma's criticism of the NCAA's double-regional format for the women's tournament highlights ongoing concerns about the event's structure and accessibility. His comments could add momentum to potential changes that would improve the tournament experience for teams and fans.