UConn coach Geno Auriemma expressed doubt about the WNBA’s expansion decision while participating in a panel discussion with LSU’s Kim Mulkey and MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Auriemma, in a video uploaded on Jun. 27, 2024, on the NBC News YouTube channel, argued that adding a new team would primarily benefit team owners rather than aspiring players.
Auriemma pointed out the disparity in roster sizes between the NBA and WNBA and raised concerns about the timing of the expansion. He highlighted the NBA’s 15-player roster compared to the WNBA’s struggle to fill 11 spots on a team.
“I think, in the NBA, they have like 15-16 guys (on the roster) because they also have guys that they can call up at any time,” Geno Auriemma said. “So, you (WNBA) don’t even have 12 players on your team, you only have 11.” (24:44).
Auriemma recommended increasing roster sizes to address issues related to injuries and player workload in the WNBA. He questioned the financial motivations behind the expansion process and how it mainly benefits team owners.
“But now we’re going to add another franchise and they’re going to have to find 11 or 12 players,” Auriemma said. “Well, why don’t you just add one of those guys to every team? No, because the franchise coming in is paying 50 million to get in and that money goes right to the owners.”
The Golden State Valkyries are the latest expansion team in the WNBA, with plans to add two more teams in 2026, bringing the total to 15 teams in the league that year.
Geno Auriemma shares the qualities he wants in his players
Geno Auriemma discussed the qualities required for a player to make his UConn Huskies roster in a recent interview. He emphasized the importance of hard work and a willingness to face challenges in addition to existing skills and talent.
“People say playing at Connecticut’s really hard. It’s not really hard to play here. It’s not. You just got to play hard,” Auriemma said during an interview for a TV show titled Geno & CD: 40 Years of Excellence. (0:50).
Geno Auriemma holds the record for the most NCAA titles won and is considered the winningest coach in NCAA history, having coached prominent WNBA players like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Maya Moore, and Rebecca Lobo.
Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey – who is NCAAW’s highest-paid coach? Find out here
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Edited by Saishyam Srikanth
