The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season is set to kick off with remarkable anticipation as No. 20 Louisville prepares to face No. 1 UConn, the reigning National Champion, in the first-ever women’s matchup of the ESPN Events Peraton Armed Forces Classic. This historic game will take place on Tuesday, November 4, at 5:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted live on ESPN and the ESPN App from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Initially scheduled for Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the event’s relocation to Annapolis underscores the commitment to honor veterans through sports while providing fans a unique opportunity to witness high-caliber collegiate basketball. ESPN’s leading commentary team of Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, and Holly Rowe is set to cover the game from Alumni Hall.
The matchup promises to be thrilling as the 12-time NCAA Champion UConn Huskies, under the seasoned guidance of Coach Geno Auriemma, take on a Louisville Cardinals team that is eager to make a statement this season. The Armed Forces Classic, which first began in 2012, is part of ESPN’s annual America’s Heroes: Salute to Veterans initiative, celebrating the contributions of military veterans through an entertaining showcase of sport.
The history of the Armed Forces Classic is notable, having taken place at various military bases around the world, including the likes of Camp Humphreys in South Korea and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. The event did not occur during 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, but it has returned with renewed enthusiasm.
ESPN Events, which operates a diverse portfolio of collegiate sports gatherings, will feature a total of 35 events in the 2025-26 academic year across various sports. This rich lineup not only represents a significant commitment to college athletics but also strengthens ties within local communities and celebrates the achievements of student-athletes nationwide. With millions of viewers and hundreds of thousands of attendees, ESPN Events continues to provide exciting experiences for fans and teams alike.