By: J.J. Pavlick | Elmont, NY | October 1, 2026 |
NEWARK, N.J. — The standard of excellence in women’s college basketball is converging with a profound national legacy this winter in New Jersey.
The UConn Huskies women’s basketball program will square off against conference rival Seton Hall in the third annual Coretta Scott King Classic on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 18, 2027. The high-profile BIG EAST matchup will take center stage at the Prudential Center, with a national television broadcast scheduled on FOX at 2:30 p.m. EST.
The marquee conference battle completes a star-studded doubleheader in Newark, which kicks off earlier in the day with a non-conference clash between the UCLA Bruins and the Oklahoma Sooners at 12:00 p.m.
Sports as a Vehicle for Community Empowerment
The Coretta Scott King Classic has rapidly evolved beyond a standard mid-season showcase, establishing itself as a growing cultural movement dedicated to celebrating leadership, equality, education, and empowerment through sport.
Reflecting the enduring legacy of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, the 2027 event will integrate a dynamic lineup of community activations and specialized youth engagement programming alongside the games. Organizers are designing a full day of experiential storytelling and athletic excellence intended to uplift the Newark community and provide tangible inspiration for the next generation of leaders.
“The Coretta Scott King Classic continues to bring my family’s enduring legacy into spaces where young people can see, experience, and embody the values my mother held so deeply,” said Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Coretta Scott King and CEO of The King Center. “Through the power of women’s basketball, this event creates an opportunity to celebrate excellence while encouraging the next generation to lead with courage, purpose, and a commitment to community.”
Auriemma Welcomes the Stage and the Reflection
For UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, the event represents a vital opportunity for his roster to compete on a premier national stage while engaging with historical context that extends far past the hardwood.
“We’re grateful to participate in the Coretta Scott King Classic,” Auriemma stated. “This year’s classic brings two great games to fans while celebrating the legacy of Coretta Scott King and her family. I think it’ll be a great day of basketball and reflection, and it’s an honor to be able to compete in this event.”
The event’s operational and athletic scale provides both the Huskies and the Pirates with a massive platform. Facing a conference opponent in an NBA-caliber venue like the Prudential Center, under the banner of a national holiday broadcast, serves as a premier showcase for the depth and marketability of the BIG EAST.
Athletic officials confirmed that public ticket sales for the Coretta Scott King Classic doubleheader will officially open on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST via Ticketmaster.
Discover more from Bad Dawg Media Group
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
