A Renewed Rivalry in Music City
The University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball program has secured a high‑profile nonconference slot in the 2026‑27 season, scheduling a showdown with Louisiana State University at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 20, 2026. The game will be part of the espnW Invitational, which also features a matchup between Virginia and Kentucky.
Coaches Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey will stand on opposite sidelines, reigniting a rivalry that dates back to Mulkey’s tenure at Baylor. Auriemma, who has guided UConn to multiple national titles, holds a 5‑4 edge over Mulkey in their head‑to‑head meetings, including a narrow 69‑67 victory over Baylor in the 2021 Elite Eight.
Mulkey’s résumé includes NCAA championships at both Baylor and LSU, with the most recent title coming in 2023. The upcoming contest adds to a schedule that also pits UConn against traditional powerhouses such as South Carolina, Duke, Michigan, Iowa, Louisville and Texas, underscoring the Huskies’ commitment to a challenging slate.
Tickets for the Nashville game will become available later this fall, with a pre‑sale registration window opening at espnWinvitational.com for fans eager to secure seats for what promises to be a marquee event.