WNBA Legend Celebrates Big East Women's Basketball on TNT

TNT Sports is significantly expanding its women's basketball coverage this season by including the Big East conference for the first time. The network's inaugural game is set to feature the reigning national champions, UConn, facing Loyola Chicago on truTV.

This season, TNT Sports will broadcast 15 Big East games, with two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker and former UConn star Renee Montgomery leading the studio coverage. Parker highlighted the competitive nature of the conference, stating, "Anytime you have a perennial champion like UConn, every team knows they're testing themselves against the best of the best every single night." Last season, the Big East only secured two NCAA Tournament bids, but teams like Marquette, Seton Hall, Villanova, and Georgetown are poised to improve their standings this year.

Marquette retained every player from last season, while Seton Hall earned a preseason first-place vote. Villanova welcomes Canadian national team member Jasmine Bascoe back, and Georgetown has added six transfers alongside star Brianna Scott.

Parker expressed particular interest in Georgetown, citing their potential after a tumultuous previous season. UConn's star players, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, are expected to take on leading roles following the departure of Paige Bueckers.

Fudd had an impressive season last year, shooting over 43 percent from beyond the arc and was named the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four. The broadcast schedule includes key matchups, such as UConn at Butler and Creighton at Georgetown, with all games available for streaming on HBO Max.

Parker emphasized the evolution of women's basketball, noting the increased pace, athleticism, and depth of the game, suggesting that TNT's coverage could elevate the league's profile and competitiveness.

The Big East aims to reclaim its reputation as a conference capable of sending multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament. The upcoming season promises exciting developments as teams vie for dominance in this newly spotlighted conference, and the answers to pivotal questions about team performance and player impact will unfold on TNT platforms.