Andrew Pace
The LSU Tigers won the 2023 NCAA Division I women's basketball championship game, defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85. The game, which was played on April 2, 2023, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, was a thrilling contest that crowned LSU as the national champions for the 2022-23 season. This victory marked the first women's basketball national championship for LSU and the fourth for their head coach, Kim Mulkey, who made history as the first coach to win a Division I title with two different schools. The game also broke viewership records, attracting 9.9 million viewers and peaking at 12.6 million, showcasing the growing popularity of women's basketball and sports more broadly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2025 |
| Winner | UConn Huskies |
| Number of Wins | 12 |
| Runner-up | South Carolina |
| Previous Year's Winner | University of Connecticut Huskies |
| Number of Previous Wins | 11 |
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What You'll Learn
- UConn Huskies: the most successful team in the history of the tournament
- Tennessee Lady Volunteers: the only team to feature in every tournament since 1982
- The dominance of UConn: winning streaks and records
- The tournament format: how the championship works
- The early years: the AIAW tournament and the NCAA's battle for control
UConn Huskies: the most successful team in the history of the tournament
The UConn Huskies women's basketball team is the most successful in the history of the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament. The team has won a record 12 NCAA Division I National Championships, including four consecutive wins from 2013 to 2016. They also hold the record for the longest winning streak in college basketball history, with 111 straight wins from 2014 to 2017.
The Huskies' success can be largely attributed to the leadership of head coach Luigi "Geno" Auriemma, who joined the team in 1985. Auriemma is the most successful coach in college basketball history, with over 1250 wins and the highest winning percentage among NCAA basketball coaches. Under his guidance, UConn has become a dominant force in women's college basketball, consistently competing for national titles.
One of Auriemma's early recruiting successes was Kerry Bascom, who joined the team in 1987. Bascom made an immediate impact, winning the Big East Player of the Year award in her sophomore, junior, and senior years. In 1989, she led UConn to its first Big East regular season and tournament titles and their first NCAA tournament appearance.
The UConn Huskies men's basketball team has also achieved significant success, winning six national championships and 45 conference titles. They have appeared in the NCAA Tournament consistently, with 37 appearances as of 2025. The men's team has produced several notable players, including Ben Gordon, Emeka Okafor, and Rudy Gay, who have gone on to successful careers in the NBA.
In addition to basketball, UConn is known for its championship soccer teams. The men's soccer team has won two NCAA national championships and has a rich history of strong attendance and support from its fans, students, and alumni. UConn's athletic program is recognised for its excellence across multiple sports, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in college athletics.
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Tennessee Lady Volunteers: the only team to feature in every tournament since 1982
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, also known as the Lady Vols, is the women's basketball team representing the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. The team has an impressive record, having participated in every NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship tournament since the NCAA began sanctioning women's sports in the 1981–82 season.
The Lady Vols have been a dominant force in women's college basketball for over four decades, consistently contending for national titles. They have won eight national championships, with the most recent victory in 2008. The team has also secured at least a share of the SEC regular season championship 17 times and won 17 SEC tournament championships. Their performance in the NCAA tournaments has been remarkable, making it to the Final Four an impressive 18 times.
The Lady Vols' success can be attributed to their talented players and exceptional coaching staff. Former player Candace Parker, who went on to become the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, was a key contributor to the team's achievements. Additionally, the team was previously led by the renowned coach Pat Summitt, who is considered the "winningest" basketball coach in NCAA history with 1,098 wins under her belt. Summitt's expertise and leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the team's success over the years.
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers have not only excelled on the court but have also maintained a strong academic standing. Coach Summitt prioritised education, achieving a 100% graduation rate for all players who completed their careers at the University of Tennessee. This commitment to both athletic excellence and academic success sets the Tennessee Lady Volunteers apart and contributes to their legacy as one of the most respected and admired women's basketball programmes in the country.
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The dominance of UConn: winning streaks and records
The University of Connecticut Huskies, commonly known as UConn, has established an unparalleled legacy in the history of women's college basketball. As of 2025, they hold the record for the most NCAA women's basketball championships, an astonishing 12 titles—with their most recent victory in 2025 against South Carolina.
UConn's dominance is further highlighted by their remarkable winning streaks. They hold the two longest winning streaks in college basketball history, regardless of gender. The first streak, encompassing 90 consecutive wins, included two undefeated seasons from 2008 to 2010. During this period, UConn showcased their prowess by achieving two perfect seasons, a testament to their consistent excellence. The second and even more impressive streak stands at an astounding 111 straight wins. This unprecedented run began in November 2014 and concluded in March 2017 when Mississippi State ended their historic streak in a thrilling overtime loss.
Beyond their championship titles and winning streaks, UConn has also set numerous other records. They have participated in every NCAA tournament since 1989, demonstrating their longevity and consistent qualification. From 2008 to 2022, they appeared in 14 consecutive Final Fours, an impressive display of their perennial contention. Additionally, UConn has been a leader in women's basketball attendance, drawing large crowds to their home games and fostering a passionate fanbase.
The UConn Huskies' success can be attributed to their talented players and exceptional coaching. Under the guidance of head coach Luigi "Geno" Auriemma, who joined the team in 1985, UConn has flourished. Auriemma boasts an impressive record of over 1250 wins as of April 2025, solidifying his status as the most successful coach in college basketball history. His winning percentage is unmatched among NCAA basketball coaches, further emphasising his impact on the team's dominance.
In conclusion, the UConn Huskies women's basketball team has established a dynasty in college basketball. Their record-breaking championship victories, unparalleled winning streaks, consistent tournament appearances, and dedicated fanbase contribute to their enduring legacy. With their combination of talented players and exceptional coaching, UConn has secured their place as one of the most dominant forces in the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the history of women's college basketball.
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The tournament format: how the championship works
The NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament, sometimes called Women's March Madness, is a single-elimination tournament played every spring in the United States. The tournament features 68 women's college basketball teams from Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The tournament determines the national championship team.
The tournament bracket is made up of champions from each Division I conference, which are known as automatic bids. There are 32 of these automatic bids awarded to the champions of the Division I conferences. The remaining slots are at-large bids, with teams chosen by an NCAA selection committee. There are 36 of these at-large bids. These are placed into four regional divisions and seeded from 1 to 16. The four lowest-seeded automatic bids and the four lowest-seeded at-large bids compete in the First Four games to advance to the 64-team bracket in the first round.
The national semi-finals are branded as the Women's Final Four and are traditionally scheduled on the same weekend as the men's Final Four, but in a different host city. The Women's Final Four uses a Friday/Sunday scheduling, with its games occurring one day prior to the men's Final Four and championship, respectively. From 1982 to 1990, 1996 to 2002, 2017 to 2019, and since 2021, the Women's Final Four has usually been played on the Friday before the men's Final Four or the day before the final Saturday of the tournament. Since 2023, the final has been played on the Sunday afternoon following the Men's Final Four. Before this, from 2017 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022, the final was played on Sunday evening.
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The early years: the AIAW tournament and the NCAA's battle for control
The early history of the women's basketball championship is marked by the rivalry between the AIAW and the NCAA. The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) was formed in 1971 to govern women's intercollegiate athletics, with 278 schools joining initially. The AIAW's philosophy was to increase opportunities for women to compete and eliminate recruiting. Prior to its formation, women had little to no opportunity to govern their own sports programs.
The AIAW continued the rules established by its predecessor, the CIAW, which aimed to prevent unethical practices observed in men's sports. These rules included forbidding students receiving scholarships from participating in championships, a ban that ended in 1973 following a lawsuit. The AIAW developed its own rules to secure its distinction and independence from the NCAA, which was seen as commercially driven and neglecting the student-athlete. The AIAW's rules allowed athletes to transfer freely between schools and initially prohibited off-campus recruitment and scholarships.
During the 1981-82 academic year, schools could compete in either the NCAA or AIAW championships. The AIAW held its own basketball tournament in 1982, but most top teams, including the defending champion Louisiana Tech, chose to participate in the NCAA tournament. The AIAW was at a disadvantage due to its lack of resources and access to television contracts compared to the NCAA. As a result, the AIAW lost its appeal and popularity, leading to the cancellation of its TV contract and the eventual cessation of its operations in all sports in 1982.
The battle between the AIAW and the NCAA culminated in a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by the AIAW against the NCAA. The AIAW charged that it was forced out of business by the NCAA, which enjoyed a monopoly on governing intercollegiate sports. However, the presiding judge ruled against the AIAW, leading to its dissolution on June 30, 1983.
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Frequently asked questions
UConn won the 2025 NCAA women's basketball championship, defeating South Carolina. This was their 12th championship title.
UConn Huskies have won the most NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championships, with 12 national titles.
UConn holds the record for the longest winning streak in NCAA women's basketball history, winning 111 games between 2014 and 2017.
The first NCAA women's basketball tournament was held in 1982.
