UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma launched a scathing critique of the NCAA women's basketball tournament format, questioning decisions that limit practice time and use unfamiliar equipment. Speaking before his team's Elite Eight matchup against Notre Dame, the 12-time national champion expressed frustration that coaches and players aren't consulted about tournament logistics that affect game preparation.

Auriemma specifically targeted the two-site regional format implemented in 2023, which he claims reduces valuable practice time and forces teams to shoot on brand-new baskets and balls. He cited poor 3-point shooting percentages from Sweet 16 games as evidence, noting percentages like 4 for 20 for UConn and 1 for 17 for Notre Dame. The coach argued that unused equipment and compressed schedules create conditions unlike anything teams experience during the regular season.

The NCAA maintains the two-site format has drawn record attendance numbers and is locked in for at least five more seasons. However, Auriemma and other coaches like Duke's Kara Lawson argue the format prioritizes atmosphere over competitive fairness. With UConn athletic director David Benedict backing his coach's stance, the controversy highlights growing tension between the NCAA's business objectives and coaches' concerns about optimal conditions for their student-athletes.