The University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball program has confirmed a two‑game series with the Iowa Hawkeyes that will stretch into the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 seasons. The first contest is slated for November 8, 2026, at the Huskies’ home arena in Storrs, Connecticut, while the second game will be played in Iowa City during the following year.
A historic rivalry renewed
The series marks the latest chapter in a rivalry that dates back nearly three decades. UConn and Iowa have met seven times, with the Huskies holding a 4‑3 edge. Their most recent encounter came in the 2024 Final Four, where Iowa edged a 71‑69 victory, and a later meeting in December 2025 at the Women’s Champions Classic saw UConn dominate 90‑64.
Both programs will bring familiar faces to the matchups. UConn seniors KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade are the only players remaining from the 2024 semifinal meeting, while Iowa’s star guard Caitlin Clark continues to be a focal point. The Huskies also welcome back Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, adding depth to a roster that has already secured a strong non‑conference slate.
In addition to the Iowa series, UConn has locked in games against Michigan, South Carolina, Duke and Maryland as part of its 2026‑27 schedule. The non‑conference slate also includes a trip to Fort Worth, Texas, and a stop in Cleveland, Ohio, before the team returns to Uncasville for a home game.
The upcoming contests will be played across a variety of venues, from the historic Storrs arena to the bustling streets of Brooklyn and Boston, where the Huskies have historically performed well. Their only home loss to Iowa came on November 29, 1990, a 58‑41 defeat, while they hold a 3‑1 record when hosting the Hawkeyes in Connecticut.
The series not only revives a competitive narrative but also offers a platform for emerging stars to showcase their talent on a national stage, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.