UConn's Coach Auriemma's Frustration

In a passionate outburst, UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma has expressed his frustration with the NCAA's super regional format, saying, "They ruined the game." This sentiment comes as the Huskies prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup against No. 3 Oklahoma in Spokane, Washington, marking the third consecutive year that UConn has been channeled into this cumbersome setup.

The Introduction of Two-Site Regionals

The NCAA introduced the two-site regional concept in 2023, aiming to address dwindling crowd sizes at games. Despite this, Auriemma argues that the new format has created more problems than it solves. "Half the country has no chance to get to a game in person," he lamented, highlighting the disconnect between the NCAA's profits from televised games and the in-person fan experience.

Logistical Difficulties and Impact on Schedules

The adjustment has not only presented logistical difficulties but has directly impacted team schedules. With four teams sharing the Spokane arena, the teams have to squeeze practices into early morning slots, leading to chaotic sequences of events. Auriemma pointedly remarked, "In a normal world, run by normal people, there would only be four teams here... We wouldn’t have to get up at 6 a.m. just to squeeze in an hour of practice."

Travel Burdens for Teams

Another headache created by this format is the travel burden placed on teams, especially the winners in the West, who face a lengthy cross-country flight to Tampa for the Final Four if they succeed. The schedule change from Sunday-Tuesday to Friday-Sunday for the women's Final Four further compounds the urgency for teams playing in the Elite Eight on a Monday.

NCAA's Stance on the Super Regional Format

Despite the complaints, the NCAA remains firm on keeping this problematic structure in place until at least 2028. Upcoming sites like Sacramento and Fort Worth promise slightly better travel logistics, but the fear remains that teams in the Western super regional will once again be faced with long journeys, especially in 2028 when they must trek to Columbus and Indianapolis.

Call for Change

As the stakes rise in this year's tournament, Auriemma's outspoken criticism could resonate with other coaches and players who feel the toll of this flawed system. With no national champion emerging from the West super regional in the last two years, the question lingers: will the NCAA reconsider its controversial super regional format to preserve the sanctity of the game? Fans, players, and coaches alike are left hoping for a return to a more equitable competition.