NCAA president Charlie Baker defended the controversial two-site regional format for the women's basketball tournament, asserting that available data indicates the system is performing successfully. Baker directly countered recent criticisms from UConn coach Geno Auriemma, stating, "it's pretty hard to argue" against the current setup.
"If you look at all the data, the ticket data, the attendance data, the viewership data, it's all gone up dramatically over the past few years," Baker told reporters. This assertion comes as the NCAA has committed to the two-site structure for at least five more seasons.
Auriemma, a vocal critic since the format's introduction, has repeatedly expressed "frustration" with what he perceives as systemic issues impacting the game's growth. His complaints center on practical disruptions for participating teams. Auriemma highlighted concerns about "new baskets that have not been broken in" and scheduling of practices and shootarounds that conflict with team routines due to limited court availability. He questioned the decision-making process, asking, "Does anybody who makes these decisions ever ask the coaches and the players, ‘Hey, does this work?'"
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On-Court Logistics Under Scrutiny
The two-site regional format, this year held in locations such as Fort Worth and Sacramento, consolidates eight teams per location, effectively dividing the bracket into quadrants. This concentration of teams vying for limited court time has led to a condensed schedule. Reports detail instances where teams, like UConn, faced early morning shootarounds shortly before critical games, or had practice times scheduled late in the evening due to other teams' obligations. Auriemma noted this as a "diversion from the normal flow of pre-game activity for the sites."
Broader Discontent Among Coaches
Auriemma’s public airing of grievances suggests a wider unease among coaching ranks. He indicated a "level of frustration right now among the coaches that's higher than any time I've ever seen it." While Auriemma’s critique has been prominent, specific counter-arguments from NCAA officials beyond Baker's remarks, or from other coaches, have not been widely reported in recent coverage.
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Format's Enduring Presence
Despite ongoing debate, the NCAA has signaled its intention to maintain the two-site regional format, citing satisfaction with bid competition and, as Baker noted, demonstrable increases in attendance and viewership. This commitment to the current structure extends for a minimum of the next five seasons.
