In a groundbreaking announcement, the University of Connecticut and the University of Louisville revealed that their women’s basketball teams will square off in the first-ever women’s edition of the Armed Forces Classic. The historic game is set to take place on November 4, 2025, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, marking a significant milestone for both the sport and the prestigious event.
The Armed Forces Classic, which debuted in 2012, has previously featured men’s college basketball teams playing in various military locations around the world, including South Korea, Puerto Rico, Japan, and Alaska. However, the 2025 matchup between UConn and Louisville will be the first time the event has showcased women’s basketball, signaling a new era of recognition and appreciation for the sport.
Coaches React to Historic Opportunity
Both head coaches expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this momentous event. UConn’s Geno Auriemma, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, emphasized the importance of supporting the armed forces:
“We want to do as much as we possibly can, both personally and team-wise, to support our armed forces,” Auriemma stated. “I’m glad we’re getting the opportunity to go overseas and have many of our military members see us play in person. I know it’ll be an experience of a lifetime for everyone in our program.”
Louisville head coach Jeff Walz echoed Auriemma’s sentiments, expressing his team’s gratitude for being selected to participate:
“We are extremely thankful to be selected for the 2025 Armed Forces Classic,” Walz said. “It will be an incredible experience for our players and staff to play in front of some of our nation’s heroes overseas. We look forward to the opportunity to showcase women’s basketball on an international stage.”
Ramstein Air Base: A Fitting Venue
The choice of Ramstein Air Base as the venue for this historic game is particularly fitting, as it has previously hosted the Armed Forces Classic on two occasions. In 2012, the base welcomed the UConn men’s team as they faced Michigan State, while in 2017, Texas A&M and West Virginia men’s teams battled it out on the court.
Situated in southwestern Germany, Ramstein Air Base is the headquarters of the United States Air Forces in Europe, Africa, and Air Forces Africa. As the largest American military community outside of the United States, the base serves as a symbol of the strong partnership between the U.S. and Germany, as well as the United States’ commitment to global security.
Growing Trend of International Women’s Basketball Games
The UConn-Louisville matchup at the Armed Forces Classic is the latest example of a growing trend in women’s college basketball, where top programs are opening their seasons with highly-anticipated international games. Earlier this week, USC faced Ole Miss, and UCLA took on Louisville in the Oui-Play event in Paris, France. These international showcases not only provide unique experiences for the student-athletes but also help to grow the sport’s global reach and popularity.
As women’s basketball continues to gain traction worldwide, events like the Armed Forces Classic and Oui-Play serve as essential platforms for showcasing the talent, competitiveness, and excitement that the sport has to offer. By bringing these games to international audiences, colleges and universities are helping to inspire the next generation of female basketball players and fans around the globe.
Two Powerhouse Programs Collide
The 2025 Armed Forces Classic will feature two of the most successful and renowned programs in women’s college basketball. UConn, led by Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma, has won a record 11 NCAA Division I National Championships and has produced numerous WNBA stars, including Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart. The Huskies have consistently been a dominant force in the sport, with their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play and relentless defensive pressure.
Louisville, meanwhile, has emerged as a perennial contender under the guidance of head coach Jeff Walz. The Cardinals have made four Final Four appearances since 2009, including two trips to the National Championship game in 2009 and 2013. With a roster full of talented players and a coach known for his strategic acumen, Louisville will undoubtedly provide a formidable challenge for UConn in this historic matchup.
A Game to Remember
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 Armed Forces Classic, fans, players, and coaches alike are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable experience. The game will not only showcase the immense talent and competitiveness of two elite women’s basketball programs but also pay tribute to the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces.
By bringing this historic event to Ramstein Air Base, the participating universities and the Armed Forces Classic organizers are sending a powerful message about the importance of supporting our troops, fostering international goodwill, and promoting the growth of women’s basketball on a global scale. As the world tunes in to watch UConn and Louisville battle it out on the court, the impact of this groundbreaking game will be felt far beyond the bounds of the military base in Germany.
The 2025 Armed Forces Classic represents a significant milestone for women’s basketball and sets the stage for a future in which the sport continues to thrive and inspire audiences around the world. As we count down the days until this epic matchup, let us celebrate the progress that has been made and look forward to the incredible possibilities that lie ahead for women’s basketball on the international stage.
