The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team has officially added a highly anticipated series against the Duke University Blue Devils, set to begin in the 2026-27 season. The first matchup will take place on November 28, 2026, at the TD Garden in Boston, marking the Huskies’ return to the iconic venue for the first time since 1996.
Historic Venue and Matchup
The announcement was made on Friday, generating excitement within the college basketball community. The game at TD Garden will be a neutral site contest, allowing fans to witness a significant clash between two of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball history. In a statement, Glen Thornborough, president of TD Garden, expressed enthusiasm about hosting this marquee matchup. “Boston is a city that lives and breathes championship basketball, and hosting these two powerhouse programs gives fans the chance to experience the very best of the women’s game on one of basketball’s most iconic stages,” Thornborough stated.
Following the neutral site game, the series will continue with a home-and-home format. The first return matchup will take place in Durham, North Carolina, during the 2027-28 season. This particular game will hold special significance for Sarah Strong, a standout player for UConn and a Durham native, as it will coincide with her senior year. Duke will then travel to Connecticut in the 2028-29 season to complete the series.
Recent History and Competitive Edge
The last time UConn and Duke faced each other was during the Sweet 16 of the 2024 NCAA Tournament in Portland, Oregon, where the Huskies secured a victory with a score of 53-45, eliminating the Blue Devils from the tournament. UConn has dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning 11 consecutive matchups since 2007 and holding a commanding 14-3 advantage in the all-time series. Duke’s last victory over the Huskies occurred in the 2006 Elite Eight, where they edged out UConn 63-61 in overtime.
Duke currently stands as the No. 12 team in the nation and is viewed as a strong contender for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title, boasting a 16-1 record in conference play. Meanwhile, UConn has an ambitious nonconference schedule lined up for the 2026-27 season. This includes a resumption of their rivalry with the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks at the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena on November 24, 2026. Additionally, they will face No. 6 LSU at a showcase event in Nashville and will also participate in the Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center, with an opponent yet to be announced.
The upcoming series between UConn and Duke promises to further elevate the profile of women’s college basketball, drawing attention from fans and sports enthusiasts alike. As both programs continue to build their legacies, this series will undoubtedly become a focal point in the college basketball landscape.
