The University of Connecticut and the University of Iowa have announced a home-and-home women’s basketball series that will kick off in November 2024, marking a significant non‑conference matchup for two of the sport’s powerhouses. The first meeting is scheduled for November 8, 2024, at the XL Center in Storrs, where the Huskies will host the Hawkeyes before the teams travel to Iowa City for a return game in the 2027‑28 season.
A Renewed Rivalry
Their most recent encounter came in the 2024 Final Four, where Iowa edged UConn 71‑69 in a game that highlighted the rising star power of Caitlin Clark, who scored 21 points, while UConn’s Paige Bueckers contributed 17. The narrow victory added a new chapter to a series that has seen the Huskies hold a 7‑4 edge historically, with the last previous visit to Iowa dating back to 1999.
Both programs are entering the series with key talent returning. UConn will benefit from the experience of Sarah Strong, while Iowa relies on the play of Ava Heiden. The non‑conference schedules for each team also feature marquee matchups against South Carolina, Duke, Michigan and Maryland, underscoring the ambition to test themselves against the nation’s elite before conference play.
Coaching narratives add another layer of intrigue. Geno Auriemma continues to steer the Huskies, while Lisa Bluder, now in her final season before retirement, will look to guide Iowa through what many expect to be a competitive stretch. The series is being framed as a litmus test for both teams as they prepare for the rigors of their respective conferences and the pursuit of a national title.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the matchups will unfold, especially given the recent upsets and the evolving rosters. With both schools investing heavily in their women’s programs, the home-and-home arrangement promises high‑stakes basketball that could influence seeding and narrative heading into the NCAA tournament.