The UConn Huskies rolled in with a 16-0 conference record, owning the Big East as usual. But as the final seconds ticked down on another win, the energy in Indianapolis stadium felt different. In the background, A Thousand Miles played, the lyrics—“Making my way downtown, walking fast, faces pass, and I’m homebound”—hitting like a farewell anthem. For Geno Auriemma, this wasn’t just another game. It was the end of an era, even if most fans didn’t realize it yet.

“It’s kind of a bittersweet situation,” Geno Auriemma shared with SNY’s Chelsea Sherrod after the network’s final broadcast of UConn women’s basketball. The 13-year partnership between UConn and SNY came to an emotional close, even if did not have an agreeable start among the fans. 

For 18 years before SNY’s entry, CPTV had settled in the hearts of the Huskies’ faithful with its specials and documentaries that had elevated UConn’s standings and revolutionized women’s basketball coverage. The shift in 2012, thus, wasn’t met with nods. It would take SNY UConn-focused telecast, inclusive of pregame and postgame shows alongside primetime specials, to slowly and gradually find its place. And when it did, it wasn’t just about the broadcasting partnership anymore.

Auriemma reflected on the countless faces behind the cameras, in the studio, and on the sidelines. “It’s been a relationship that was way above what our expectations were,” he said. “And our expectations were pretty high.”

For over a decade, SNY had been the storyteller of UConn’s dominance, from Breanna Stewart’s rise to Paige Bueckers’ electrifying debut. But as Geno mentions, it is Bittersweet, for more awaits the program. 

Next season, the Big East’s new media deal is bringing in NBC Sports and TNT Sports alongside FOX Sports. From now on, UConn’s games will air under the conference’s contract.

The Huskies made the most of their deal, winning four straight national titles in SNY’s first four years as their broadcast partner. Auriemma’s gratitude was palpable as he added, “I’ve been proud to be a part of it, and I know the fans have really enjoyed it… We are never gonna forget you guys.” 

Bueckers too made sure to give SNY its flowers, recognizing everyone behind the scenes who helped bring UConn basketball into people’s homes.

“Thank you to SNY,” Bueckers told Sherrod after the game. “We’re extremely grateful and we never want to take it for granted, all the hard work that you guys do. It’s been amazing. Five years for me, but a lot longer time for everybody that’s been working. But we appreciate it. The hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

When UConn inked the deal in 2012, the goal was to reach more audience than they ever had before. And reach they did. Just in its inaugural season, SNY’s women’s basketball coverage averaged 5.14 household rating. And by 2019, the numbers were up to 6.00 average HH rating (approx. 55,300 households) in the Hartford-New Haven. Then in its ninth season, UConn reported a 95% increase in the ratings than previous eight in the New York DMA.

So the SNY partnership was a huge part of UConn’s journey. And the farewell night could not have been better.

An evening to remember for Geno Auriemma and Women’s Basketball

Saturday was a night to remember for Geno Auriemma and women’s basketball. The No. 5 UConn Huskies (26-3, 16-0 Big East) rolled to an 86-47 win over Butler. But the story wasn’t just about the score. It was about history.

For the first time ever, Butler women’s basketball hosted a sold-out Hinkle Fieldhouse. Geno Auriemma made sure his players knew the significance of the “iconic building,” and hoped the Bulldogs enjoyed the moment, despite the loss.

“Our players are used to this,” Auriemma said. “I think it’s fantastic that the Butler kids, the Butler coaching staff and the Butler fans had a chance to experience this. On that side, you don’t get that every day. A women’s basketball player playing in this environment is something that they’ll remember for a long time.”

Paige Bueckers led the night with 23 points and 10 assists while Ashlynn Shade followed with 14. And in another moment, Caroline Ducharme made a comeback after 15 months. But that wasn’t to end the night for the head coach. Moments after the game, Silver Waves Media honored Geno with an inclusion in the 100 Most Impactful People in Women’s College Basketball list.

What a night for Geno Auriemma.