NCAA president disputes Geno: two-site format is working

NCAA president Charlie Baker is pushing back on Geno Auriemma’s latest criticism of the women’s tournament’s two-site regional format.

Baker said the current setup is working, pointing to gains in attendance, viewership and ticket sales. His comments came after Auriemma again questioned the format and argued it makes preparation and fan access more difficult.

The NCAA has already said the two-site women’s regional model will remain in place for at least five more seasons. Baker’s defense suggests the governing body sees little reason to revisit the structure now.

Auriemma has long been one of the format’s sharpest critics, and the debate has become a recurring theme around the women’s tournament. Baker’s comments make clear the NCAA is not backing away from the current plan.

The dispute is another reminder that tournament structure, not just on-court results, remains a live issue in women’s college basketball.