UConn, St. John's coaches pushing to bring women's hoops back to MSG

UConn’s Geno Auriemma and St. John’s Joe Tartamella want to bring women’s college basketball back to Madison Square Garden.

Speaking Tuesday at Big East media day while seated at tables set up on Madison Square Garden’s court, each coach discussed the exciting possibility of one day again playing a game in the world’s most famous arena.

“We used to do that, you know. We played St. John’s here,” Auriemma said. “And I would hope that we could do it again.”

St. John’s played Butler at Madison Square Garden in February as part of a Johnnies Day doubleheader.

The women’s team isn’t scheduled to play at MSG this season, though Tartamella didn’t necessarily rule out the opportunity.

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, coaching during a game last season, said on Oct. 22, 2025 that he would like f