A Milestone Matchup
Iowa women's basketball will face UConn in a home‑and‑home series that spans the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 seasons. The first leg arrives in Storrs, Connecticut, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the game scheduled for either Gampel Pavilion or Peoples Bank Arena, depending on venue availability.
The following season the Hawkeyes will host the Huskies at Carver‑Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, completing the two‑year agreement. Both schools have expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, which underscores the growing prominence of women's college basketball in the Midwest and Northeast.
Historic Win and Retirement
The series is steeped in recent history. Iowa's last victory over UConn came in the 2024 Final Four, a 73‑68 triumph that secured a national championship berth for the Hawkeyes. That win also served as the final game for head coach Lisa Bluder, who announced her retirement immediately afterward.
Bluder's departure marks the end of a storied coaching career that reshaped Iowa's program. The 2024 Final Four victory not only capped her tenure but also added a memorable chapter to the Iowa‑UConn rivalry, a narrative that will continue to unfold over the next two seasons.
Series Outlook
UConn currently holds a 7‑4 edge in the all‑time series, but Iowa's recent win has shifted momentum. The upcoming matchups promise competitive games, with both teams expected to field strong lineups and passionate fan bases. The arrangement also provides each program with additional scheduling stability and regional exposure.