Helena Frye
The University of Connecticut (UConn) and Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) had an 18-year partnership, from 1995 to 2012, during which CPTV televised UConn women's basketball games. In June 1995, the two parties agreed to a three-year, $2.28 million contract that included at least 51 women's basketball games. Over the course of its 18-year partnership with CPTV, UConn was a combined 612-48 (.927) with seven national championships and 12 Final Four appearances. UConn fans watched 395 games on CPTV before the university reached an agreement with SNY in May 2012.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of years CPTV aired UConn women's basketball | 18 years |
| Number of games aired | 395 |
| Additional content | More than 200 episodes of the "Geno Auriemma Show", Senior Night tribute shows, women's basketball championship documentaries, "Believe in the Dream: The History of UConn Women's Basketball" |
| UConn's record during the partnership | 612-48 |
| Number of national championships during the partnership | 7 |
| Number of Final Four appearances during the partnership | 12 |
| UConn's first national championship year | 1995 |
| UConn's first contract with CPTV | 1994-95 academic year |
| UConn's last contract with CPTV | 2011-12 |
| UConn's new TV partner | SNY |
| Number of UConn games televised per year with SNY | 17 |
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What You'll Learn
UConn and CPTV's three-year deal
UConn and CPTV signed a three-year, $2.28 million contract in June 1995. The deal included the broadcast of a minimum of 51 women's basketball games and three away football games. CPTV also agreed to produce and air 12 women's basketball shows with coach Geno Auriemma, three football programmes with coach Skip Holtz, and four UConn sports shows with athletic director Lew Perkins.
The contract, which began in the 1995-96 academic year and ran through 1997-98, was a significant moment in the history of women's basketball and CPTV. UConn was already a successful women's basketball programme, but the exposure from CPTV helped turn it into a national phenomenon. Over the course of its 18-year partnership with CPTV, UConn was a combined 612-48 with seven national championships and 12 Final Four appearances.
CPTV played a crucial role in bringing UConn women's basketball into the homes of people across Connecticut, making the Huskies one of the first women's teams in the country to have their own local TV contract. The deal was also a risk for CPTV, but it paid off, with the station gaining thousands of new subscribers due to its coverage of UConn women's basketball.
The UConn-CPTV partnership lasted 18 years until 2012 when UConn signed a four-year deal with SNY to broadcast women's basketball games. The decision to leave CPTV for SNY was a controversial one, with some fans disappointed that UConn chose a New York-based firm over the local CPTV. Despite the loss of the UConn contract, CPTV Sports continued to showcase local collegiate, semi-pro, and professional sports in Connecticut.
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UConn's switch to SNY
The UConn women's basketball team enjoyed an 18-year partnership with CPTV, beginning in 1995. During this time, UConn was a combined 612-48 with seven national championships and 12 Final Four appearances. UConn fans were able to watch 395 games on CPTV, along with additional content such as the "Geno Auriemma Show", Senior Night tribute shows, and documentaries.
In 2012, UConn ended its contract with CPTV and reached an agreement with SNY. This was considered a significant move, as SNY outbid Connecticut Public Television for the broadcasting rights. The switch to SNY has allowed UConn to continue building on its success and expanding its reach. SNY has produced a wide range of content for UConn, including pre- and post-game shows, exclusive interviews, and documentaries. The partnership with SNY has helped grow UConn's audience in the region and across the country.
The decision to switch from CPTV to SNY was influenced by several factors. One factor was the changing media landscape and the increasing importance of securing favourable broadcasting rights. SNY offered a competitive bid and demonstrated a strong commitment to women's basketball, which aligned with UConn's goals and objectives. Additionally, SNY's ability to provide extensive coverage and exposure for UConn women's basketball was a key consideration in the decision-making process.
The partnership between UConn and SNY has been mutually beneficial. SNY has benefited from the popularity and success of UConn women's basketball, while UConn has gained increased exposure and visibility through SNY's platform. The agreement with SNY has also allowed UConn to maintain a presence on television and reach a wider audience, including fans who may not have access to streaming services.
The switch to SNY has overall been a positive move for UConn women's basketball, allowing the team to expand its reach and engage with a broader audience. The partnership has continued to thrive, with SNY and UConn working together to create compelling content and deliver an outstanding product to fans across the country.
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CPTV's impact on the growth of UConn's women's basketball program
The relationship between CPTV and the UConn women's basketball team was unique and impactful. In 1994, CPTV took a risk by signing a three-year, $2.28 million contract with UConn to broadcast women's basketball games, making the Huskies one of the first women's teams in the country to have their own local TV contract. This partnership would last for 18 years, from 1994 to 2012, and play a significant role in the growth of UConn women's basketball.
Before CPTV's involvement, UConn women's basketball games had low attendance, with an average of no more than 3,904 fans during the first eight seasons under coach Geno Auriemma. However, CPTV brought the games into the homes of people across Connecticut, exposing the team to a wider audience and creating a cult following. As a result, more people became interested in the team, and game attendance increased.
Over the course of the 18-year partnership, UConn women's basketball experienced tremendous success, with a combined record of 612-48, seven national championships, and 12 Final Four appearances. CPTV played a crucial role in this success by providing extensive coverage of the team, including broadcasting 395 games, the "Geno Auriemma Show", Senior Night tribute shows, women's basketball championship documentaries, and "Believe in the Dream: The History of UConn Women's Basketball".
The impact of CPTV on the growth of UConn women's basketball was recognized by those involved. UConn assistant coach and former player Shea Ralph acknowledged the bittersweet end to the relationship, understanding the impact CPTV had on the team. UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway also praised the unique relationship and the positive impact CPTV had on the program.
In addition to the extensive coverage of UConn women's basketball, CPTV also contributed to the growth of other sports programs in Connecticut. They showcased high school, collegiate, semi-pro, and professional sports, building community pride and supporting local talent. CPTV's commitment to sports coverage, including UConn women's basketball, turned the team into the most successful women's program in the country.
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UConn's 1995 championship team
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team enjoyed a successful run during their 18-year partnership with CPTV, which began in 1994. The relationship between UConn and CPTV was instrumental in growing the women's basketball program and bringing it into the national spotlight.
In June 1995, UConn and CPTV signed a three-year, $2.28 million contract, which included broadcasting at least 51 women's basketball games and three road football games. This deal showcased the interest in UConn athletics and was a testament to the growing popularity of the women's basketball team.
The 1994-95 season was a historic one for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, as they embarked on a journey that culminated in their first NCAA Division I title. Led by coach Geno Auriemma, the Huskies went undefeated, finishing the season with a perfect 35-0 record. This achievement was even more remarkable considering their disappointing loss in the Elite Eight the previous year.
The 1995 championship team featured standout players such as Rebecca Lobo, who played centre for UConn from 1991 to 1995, and freshman sensation Nykesha Sales, a Connecticut native who joined the team that year. The team's success extended beyond the basketball court, as Lobo became a media sensation, appearing on talk shows like "Late Show with David Letterman" and gaining national attention for the program.
The 1995 title was the first of 11 national championships for the UConn Huskies under the leadership of Geno Auriemma. This victory marked a pivotal moment in the history of the program, the players' lives, and the sport itself, solidifying UConn's place as a dominant force in women's college basketball.
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UConn's relationship with CPTV
The relationship between UConn and CPTV began in 1994 when CPTV took a risk by bringing the UConn women's basketball team into the homes of viewers across the state. UConn and CPTV agreed to a three-year, $2.28 million contract in June 1995, which included at least 51 women's basketball games and three road football games. The deal was extended for another three years in 1997, and UConn fans were able to watch 395 games on CPTV before UConn reached an agreement with SNY in May 2012. This means that CPTV aired UConn women's basketball games for around 18 years.
CPTV's bid carried a price tag of $8,000 per game, which was lower than the commercial stations. However, the total number of games was critical in landing the broadcast rights. UConn athletic director Lew Perkins credited CPTV with being imaginative and creative in its approach, calling it "probably the best local TV package for women's basketball in the country".
CPTV's coverage of the UConn women's basketball team helped to grow the sport and the team's fanbase. UConn was a combined 612-48 (.927) with seven national championships and 12 Final Four appearances during its 18-year partnership with CPTV. According to UConn President Susan Herbst, the decision to leave CPTV for SNY in 2012 was made to expand the number of households that could watch the games and increase rights fees. However, some fans were unhappy with the decision, as they did not get SNY on their cable package.
Despite the end of the formal partnership in 2012, UConn and CPTV have continued to maintain a relationship. CPTV Sports, a 24/7 sports network that showcases the best local collegiate, semi-pro, and professional sports in Connecticut, has featured UConn women's basketball in its programming. UConn's decision to partner with CPTV helped to turn the team into the most successful women's basketball program in the country and played a significant role in growing the sport and its fanbase.
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Frequently asked questions
CPTV first aired UConn Women's Basketball in 1994.
CPTV aired UConn Women's Basketball games for 18 years, from 1994/1995 until 2012.
UConn signed a four-year deal with SNY to show women's basketball games, which was renewed in 2016.
