'Cuse and UConn To Meet in October Hoop Exhibitions
6/25/2026 1:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
Syracuse men's and women's basketball are paired with UConn's two squads in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Event at Mohegan Sun. The women's game is scheduled for Oct. 12 and the men will compete on Oct. 13.
The Syracuse and UConn women's basketball programs were regular Big East Conference opponents until Syracuse's move to the ACC in 2013. Recent meetings have come exclusively in NCAA Tournament play, including last season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Most notably, the two programs met in the 2016 National Championship game, in which UConn claimed the title.
On the men's side, the Syracuse-UConn rivalry reunites two programs that haven't shared the court since 2018. UConn is Syracuse's sixth most frequent men's basketball foe with 95 meetings held. One of the more notable encounters was the six-overtime 2009 BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinal won by the Orange, 127-117.
"This year's showcase brings together two of the most storied programs in college basketball history for a rivalry that runs deep on both the men's and women's sides," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "When you think about what made this men's rivalry so special, you think about the Hall of Fame coaches who shaped it - Jim Calhoun and Jim Boeheim, both Class of 2005 - and the standard they set. Bringing these programs back together honors that legacy while writing the next chapter of one of college basketball's great rivalries."
"We love hosting these annual exhibition games featuring both the UConn men and women, and this year once again delivers high level matchups against Syracuse," said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. "As I often say, Mohegan Sun Arena has become a leading venue for outstanding men's and women's basketball, from powerhouse college programs to top-tier high school events throughout the fall and winter. We're excited to welcome back the college basketball season to Mohegan Sun when the first of these back-to-back games tips off on Monday, October 12th."
Quotes From The Coaches
"We're thrilled to participate in the Basketball Hall of Fame exhibition game at Mohegan Sun this October against UConn. This is a great opportunity for the young women in our program to showcase their talent and hard work early in the season for an exhibition between two programs that competed in the NCAA Tournament last season."
Felisha Legette-Jack | Syracuse
"We're excited to once again compete in the Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Game. It's a great opportunity for UConn fans to see our men's and women's teams in action against a familiar rival to kick off the 2026-27 season. The Hall of Fame puts together great matchups at Mohegan, and this year will be no exception."
Geno Auriemma | UConn
"We are looking forward to playing in the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Game against UConn at the Mohegan Sun Arena in October."
Gerry McNamara | Syracuse
"Opening the exhibition slate with the Hall of Fame game at Mohegan Sun has been awesome the last few years and we're excited to do it again. Matching up with an old rival in Syracuse at a first-class venue is exciting for our fans as they'll be able to get their first look at our new team in live action. The Hall of Fame always puts on a high-level production with a big-game feel that will prepare us for our marquee early season matchups."
Dan Hurley | UConn
Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Game will go on sale on Wednesday, August 12, via Ticketmaster and at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office. Additional details surrounding game time, broadcast information, and credentials will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit hoophall.com.
Â
The Syracuse and UConn women's basketball programs were regular Big East Conference opponents until Syracuse's move to the ACC in 2013. Recent meetings have come exclusively in NCAA Tournament play, including last season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Most notably, the two programs met in the 2016 National Championship game, in which UConn claimed the title.
On the men's side, the Syracuse-UConn rivalry reunites two programs that haven't shared the court since 2018. UConn is Syracuse's sixth most frequent men's basketball foe with 95 meetings held. One of the more notable encounters was the six-overtime 2009 BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinal won by the Orange, 127-117.
"This year's showcase brings together two of the most storied programs in college basketball history for a rivalry that runs deep on both the men's and women's sides," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "When you think about what made this men's rivalry so special, you think about the Hall of Fame coaches who shaped it - Jim Calhoun and Jim Boeheim, both Class of 2005 - and the standard they set. Bringing these programs back together honors that legacy while writing the next chapter of one of college basketball's great rivalries."
"We love hosting these annual exhibition games featuring both the UConn men and women, and this year once again delivers high level matchups against Syracuse," said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. "As I often say, Mohegan Sun Arena has become a leading venue for outstanding men's and women's basketball, from powerhouse college programs to top-tier high school events throughout the fall and winter. We're excited to welcome back the college basketball season to Mohegan Sun when the first of these back-to-back games tips off on Monday, October 12th."
Quotes From The Coaches
"We're thrilled to participate in the Basketball Hall of Fame exhibition game at Mohegan Sun this October against UConn. This is a great opportunity for the young women in our program to showcase their talent and hard work early in the season for an exhibition between two programs that competed in the NCAA Tournament last season."
Felisha Legette-Jack | Syracuse
"We're excited to once again compete in the Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Game. It's a great opportunity for UConn fans to see our men's and women's teams in action against a familiar rival to kick off the 2026-27 season. The Hall of Fame puts together great matchups at Mohegan, and this year will be no exception."
Geno Auriemma | UConn
"We are looking forward to playing in the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Game against UConn at the Mohegan Sun Arena in October."
Gerry McNamara | Syracuse
"Opening the exhibition slate with the Hall of Fame game at Mohegan Sun has been awesome the last few years and we're excited to do it again. Matching up with an old rival in Syracuse at a first-class venue is exciting for our fans as they'll be able to get their first look at our new team in live action. The Hall of Fame always puts on a high-level production with a big-game feel that will prepare us for our marquee early season matchups."
Dan Hurley | UConn
Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Game will go on sale on Wednesday, August 12, via Ticketmaster and at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office. Additional details surrounding game time, broadcast information, and credentials will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit hoophall.com.
Â
Thursday, June 18
Friday, June 12
Monday, June 08
Tuesday, March 31
