Questions arise about the NCAA's selection process for women's basketball tournament sites after the Utah team encountered racism near their hotel in Idaho, prompting a location change.

The Big Picture

The incident with the Utah women's basketball team highlights concerns about early-round site selections compared to the men's neutral locations, which are chosen years ahead, potentially leading to a review of tournament site policies.

By the Numbers
  • A record 292,456 fans attended the first two rounds of the tournament this year, with a significant 27% increase in attendance and notable viewership spikes of 83% in the first round and 121% in the second round from the previous year, averaging 1.5 million viewers for the second round.
Yes, But

While the current format has seen success in attendance and viewership, the incident with the Utah team has raised concerns about geographical logistics and the potential impact on teams and players.

State of Play
  • NCAA Vice President for Women's Basketball Lynn Holzman aims to expedite the review of site selection processes and formats, emphasizing the need for timely evaluations and adjustments to ensure optimal tournament experiences.
  • The bid process to host the first two rounds begins in July, with stringent requirements for hotels and logistics, demonstrating efforts to address potential challenges faced by teams.
What's Next

The NCAA plans to review the championship format post-2025 tournament and may consider adjustments to enhance the tournament site selection process and experience for participating teams and fans.

Bottom Line

The Utah incident underscores the importance of reviewing and potentially revising how tournament sites are selected to ensure inclusivity, safety, and an optimal experience for all teams, reflecting the need for proactive adjustments in future championships.