Legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma has joined the growing chorus of concern regarding the officiating in the WNBA, expressing his thoughts following the University of Connecticut’s first official practice of the 2025-26 NCAA season. Auriemma criticized the excessive physicality permitted in the WNBA, calling it a “shame” and asserting that it detracts from the quality of basketball played on the court.
This commentary comes amidst escalating frustrations from WNBA players, coaches, and fans regarding officiating standards throughout the season. The situation intensified over the weekend after a highly debated conclusion to Game 3 of the semifinal series between the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve made headlines with her fiery critique of the officiating, which ultimately led to her suspension during Game 4 and a hefty fine of $15,000.
Reeve’s impassioned remarks called for a significant change in the officiating leadership within the league, vehemently labeling the officiating as “f—king awful.” Her sentiments resonated with other coaches in the league, many of whom faced fines for voicing their support or sharing similar frustrations.
Auriemma, who has been a pivotal figure in women’s basketball since 1985 and has helped nurture numerous players for the WNBA, weighed in on a specific incident that resulted in Lynx star Napheesa Collier suffering a season-ending injury. The controversial play, which went uncalled, further fueled Reeve’s emotions post-game.
While Auriemma refrained from labeling the incident as a foul definitively, he noted that Reeve’s reaction likely stemmed from a culmination of frustrations regarding officiating standards prevalent throughout the game. He expressed the viewpoint that the high physicality in WNBA games is not reflective of exemplary basketball.
“I’ve had a lot of NBA people and former WNBA players tell me that what goes on in a WNBA game is way more physical than what happens in an NBA game,” he remarked. He further criticized the recent championship game, recalling how it underscored the disjointed nature of the play, saying, “It was a horrendous game… People can’t get open. People can’t cut.”
Auriemma argued that the issues plaguing the league go beyond the officials themselves and are rooted in the rules and accepted style of play that govern the games. He stated, “If they didn’t want that style of play, they wouldn’t have it.” His observations align with those of other league coaches, including Becky Hammon and Stephanie White, who have voiced their concerns about physicality and player safety.
The WNBA playoffs are set to continue with a decisive Game 5 between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever, the outcome of which will determine who advances to the finals. Many in the basketball community share Auriemma’s hopes for a shift in officiating standards that reflects the talent of the athletes and enhances the game for fans.