The LSU women’s basketball team is set to face off against the UConn Huskies in the 2026 ESPNW Invitational, scheduled for December 20 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The game marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2016, a span that has seen UConn dominate the series with an 8‑1 record.
A Storied Rivalry Rekindled
LSU and UConn have met twice in the NCAA postseason, with LSU securing a victory in the 2007 Elite Eight. Overall, the series stands at eight games, all in favor of the Huskies, underscoring the depth of a rivalry that has produced some of the most memorable moments in women’s college basketball.
The coaches who will guide their teams onto the court are among the most successful in the sport’s history. Kim Mulkey, now the head coach at LSU, boasts 783 career wins and four national championships, making her the winningest active NCAA head coach. Geno Auriemma, the architect of UConn’s dynasty, has amassed 12 national titles and remains the winningest active coach in terms of championships.
Both Mulkey and Auriemma have shaped the landscape of women’s basketball for decades, and their upcoming clash is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Their contrasting styles and philosophies add a narrative layer that extends beyond the box score.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The ESPNW Invitational will feature additional teams at Bridgestone Arena, with ticket sales slated to open in early fall. Interested attendees can purchase tickets through the official event website, espnwinvitational.com, as the schedule promises a weekend of high‑profile matchups.
As the countdown to December continues, both programs are shaping their rosters and strategies for the upcoming season. The game in Nashville offers a rare opportunity for fans to witness two coaching legends go head‑to‑head on a neutral court, adding another chapter to a rivalry that has defined eras of women’s college basketball.