Loaded: UConn WBB Unveils Brutal 2026-27 Non-Conference Slate
UConn Women’s Basketball Announces Super Challenging 2026-27 Schedule
The Big News
The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team — winners of 12 national championships — just released their non-conference schedule for the 2026-27 season. And wow, it’s a gauntlet (that means a really, really tough series of games).
IMPORTANT POINT: Ten of the 13 non-conference opponents played in the 2026 NCAA Tournament AND finished the season ranked in the top 25 of the NET Rankings (a special computer system that ranks teams). This might be one of the toughest schedules in college basketball history!
Why This Schedule Is a Big Deal
Think of it like this: Imagine a video game where you choose "Hard Mode" for every single level. That’s what UConn is doing. They’re not hiding from good teams — they’re hunting them down.
Here are the four marquee neutral-site showcase games (games played on a court that isn’t either team’s home arena):
| Date | Opponent | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 24 | South Carolina (NET #3) | Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase | Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT |
| Nov 28 | Duke (NET #8) | First UConn game ever at TD Garden | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Dec 5 | Maryland (NET #15) | Women’s Champions Classic | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| Dec 20 | LSU (NET #5) | espnW Invitational | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
The Full Non-Conference Schedule
Exhibition Games (Practice Games That Don’t Count)
These are like scrimmages — they help the team get ready but don’t go on the official record.
- Oct 12 — vs. Syracuse (Hall of Fame Series Exhibition) — Mohegan Sun Arena
- Oct 19 — vs. Texas — Location TBA
- Oct 25 — vs. Army — Location TBA
Regular Season Games (These Count!)
| # | Date | Opponent | Location | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 2 | Cornell | TBA | Season opener! UConn leads series 1-0 |
| 2 | Nov 5 | at Michigan (NET #6) | Crisler Center, Ann Arbor | UConn’s first true road game |
| 3 | Nov 8 | Iowa (NET #12) | TBA | Rematch from Dec 2025 |
| 4 | Nov 12 | at Ohio State (NET #16) | Schottenstein Center, Columbus | Big Ten powerhouse |
| 5 | Nov 15 | at Louisville (NET #11) | KFC Yum! Center, Louisville | UConn leads series 21-3 |
| 6 | Nov 24 | vs. South Carolina (NET #3) | Mohegan Sun Arena | Reigning national champs |
| 7 | Nov 28 | vs. Duke (NET #8) | TD Garden, Boston | First time at Celtics’ arena! |
| 8 | Dec 2 | UNLV | TBA | Only non-top-25 opponent |
| 9 | Dec 5 | vs. Maryland (NET #15) | Barclays Center, Brooklyn | Women’s Champions Classic |
| 10 | Dec 9 | at Notre Dame (NET #20) | Purcell Pavilion, South Bend | Historic rivalry — UConn leads 41-16 |
| 11 | Dec 12 | Tennessee (NET #25) | TBA | Another historic rivalry — UConn leads 18-10 |
| 12 | Dec 20 | vs. LSU (NET #5) | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville | espnW Invitational finale |
Conference Breakdown: Who They’re Playing From Where
UConn’s non-conference schedule pulls from the three strongest conferences in women’s college basketball:
- Big Ten (4 teams): Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Maryland
- SEC (3 teams): South Carolina, LSU, Tennessee
- ACC (3 teams): Duke, Louisville, Notre Dame
- Others: Cornell (Ivy League), UNLV (Mountain West)
IMPORTANT POINT: The Big Ten, SEC, and ACC are widely considered the "Power 3" conferences in women’s basketball. Playing 10 games against them out of 12 regular-season non-conference games is incredibly bold.
Tickets Are On Sale Now!
If you want to see history in person, season tickets for both home venues are available:
- Gampel Pavilion (on campus in Storrs)
- PeoplesBank Arena (in Hartford, about 30 minutes away)
Click here to buy season tickets
IMPORTANT POINT: Tip-off times and TV channels will be announced later. Keep an eye on UConn’s official social media and website for updates!
Summary
UConn women’s basketball isn’t just scheduling games — they’re making a statement. By loading up on 10 NCAA Tournament teams (all top-25 NET ranked), playing in four massive neutral-site events, and hitting the road for tough environments like Ann Arbor, Columbus, Louisville, and South Bend, the Huskies are preparing for another championship run the hard way.
This schedule says: "We want the best, and we’re not afraid of anyone."
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to women’s college basketball, this is the season to watch. The games will be intense, the atmospheres electric, and the basketball world will be watching UConn every step of the way.
FAQ
What does "non-conference schedule" mean?
A: College teams play two types of games: conference games (against teams in their own league — UConn is in the Big East) and non-conference games (against teams from other leagues). This announcement is only about the non-conference games. The Big East schedule comes out later.
What is the NET Ranking?
A: The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) is a computer system the NCAA uses to rank teams. It looks at wins, losses, strength of schedule, game location, and more. Being in the top 25 means you’re one of the best 25 teams in the entire country.
What are "exhibition games"?
A: These are practice games that don’t count on a team’s official win-loss record. Coaches use them to try lineups, give freshmen experience, and shake off rust before the real season starts.
Why are neutral-site games a big deal?
A: Neutral-site games are played in NBA arenas or big event centers — not on either team’s home court. They feel like mini Final Fours with huge crowds, national TV, and playoff atmospheres. They’re great for recruiting and preparing for the NCAA Tournament.
How many national championships has UConn won?
A: 12! (1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2025). They’re the most successful program in women’s college basketball history.
Go Huskies!