UConn Women's Basketball Team Claims 12th NCAA Title, Ends Championship Drought

On April 6, 2025, the University of Connecticut (UConn) women's basketball team clinched their 12th NCAA national championship by defeating the University of South Carolina Gamecocks 82–59 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. This victory marked UConn's first national title since 2016, ending a nine-year championship drought.

The Huskies' triumph was fueled by standout performances from Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. Fudd led the team with 24 points and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Strong contributed a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Paige Bueckers, in her final collegiate game, added 17 points, capping a resilient career marked by injuries.

Under the guidance of head coach Geno Auriemma, who at 71 became the oldest coach to win a major college basketball title, UConn dominated the game, particularly in the third quarter, to secure the decisive victory.

The championship game attracted an average of 8.6 million viewers, peaking at 9.9 million, reflecting the growing interest in women's college basketball. Despite a decline from 2024’s record 18.9 million viewers during the Caitlin Clark-led final, this year's event still ranks among ABC’s top three most-watched women’s championship games.

UConn's victory ended a nine-year championship drought, their last title being in 2016. This win solidifies UConn's legacy in women's basketball, marking their 12th national championship.

The strong viewership numbers indicate a sustained and growing interest in women's college basketball. The game's high ratings, despite the absence of prominent stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, reflect the sport's increasing appeal and the emergence of new standout players.

UConn's victory not only reestablishes their dominance in women's college basketball but also highlights the remarkable performances of key players and the enduring legacy of head coach Geno Auriemma.