The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the renewal of the historic series between the Tennessee Lady Volunteers and the UConn Huskies, starting in the 2019-20 season. As a longstanding rivalry, the teams consistently met from 1995-2007 but have not faced each other since. Widely regarded as the two most successful women's programs in the country, Tennessee and UConn account for 19 National Championships, dozens of impact players in the WNBA and many of the sport's all-time greats.
"The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate all levels of the game for both men and women," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "When it comes to women's college hoops, there's no match-up more highly anticipated than that of UConn versus Tennessee. We're so proud to unite these teams in a contest benefitting great causes and honoring the late Hall of Famer Pat Summitt."
As part of the two-year series, UConn will host Tennessee during the 2019-20 season, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In the 2020-21 season, the Lady Vols will host the Huskies in Knoxville, with a portion of the proceeds again benefitting the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
"We are so excited to join UConn for games that will generate incredible interest for women's basketball and benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame," Tennessee Head Coach Holly Warlick said.
"Basketball fans will be intrigued to watch these two programs meet on the court again, and I know Lady Vols and Huskies fans will be eager to pack arenas, cheer on their teams and make a difference for some very worthy causes, including one bearing the name of my coach, mentor and friend."
UConn head Coach Geno Auriemma said, "I am happy to have the Lady Vols back on our schedule and am thrilled that proceeds to our games will benefit such an important endeavor like the Pat Summitt Foundation. I know our fans will be excited to renew the rivalry with Tennessee and expect them to fill the building for some good basketball and a great cause."
The games will be televised and supported worldwide by the ESPN family of networks.
"It is only fitting that this game returns to ESPN," said Carol Stiff, ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions. "'For the Good of the Game' was Pat Summitt's famous quote back in 1994 when accepting the challenge to travel to Connecticut in January 1995. The two teams faced each other twice that season, with UConn going undefeated and ultimately defeating the Lady Vols to win their first national championship. In those moments, one of the richest rivalries in women's basketball was born. We look forward to showcasing this event during the annual We Back Pat week."
Game dates, ticket information and any ancillary events will be released at a later date.
Tennessee and UConn have met 22 times previously, with the Huskies holding a 13-9 advantage in the series. The Lady Vols, however, were victorious the past three times these teams played, most recently winning a No. 4 vs. No. 5 road match-up in Hartford, 70-64, on Jan. 6, 2007.
UT legend Candace Parker, now a WNBA All-Star with the Los Angeles Sparks, tallied 30 points, including her sixth career dunk, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked six shots in that nationally-televised victory.
The Lady Vols and Huskies rank one-two in all-time NCAA wins with 1,344 and 1,119, respectively. UConn stands first in NCAA titles (11) and NCAA Final Fours (19), while Tennessee is second with eight NCAA Championships and 18 NCAA Final Fours.
Between them, the schools have sent 80 players to the WNBA, including 47 from UT and 33 from UConn. Each school has produced 14 Olympians, and UConn holds the edge in All-Americans, 22-21.