Overview
- Baker, speaking Friday before the Women's Final Four in Phoenix, said the format is working based on ticket sales, attendance and TV viewership.
- He added that the basketball committee will take a hard look at practice and shootaround scheduling raised by coaches.
- The NCAA has locked in the two-site setup for at least five more seasons, with regionals booked in Philadelphia and Las Vegas in 2027 and Washington, D.C., and Portland in 2028.
- UConn coach Geno Auriemma criticized the setup after the Fort Worth regional, citing an off-site 6:20 a.m. shootaround, limited court time and new baskets that were not broken in.
- USA Today reported regional attendance reached 78,475 this year and the tournament generated $4.4 million in ticket revenue, figures the NCAA uses to defend the change.