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Women's Final Four In Tampa Set, AT&T Brings The Energy
Women's Final Four In Tampa Set, AT&T Brings The Energy

Forbes

time01-04-2025

  • Sport
  • Forbes

Women's Final Four In Tampa Set, AT&T Brings The Energy

The Women's Final Four teams have been locked in, and the stage is set for a thrilling weekend of college basketball. The top-seeded UCLA Bruins will take on the powerhouse UConn Huskies, while defending 2024 National Champions South Carolina face off against the Texas Longhorns. The Women's Final Four will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, airing on ESPN & ESPN+. The winners will face off for the NCAA Women's National Championship on Sunday, April 6, at 3:00 PM ET, on ABC. AT&T, a proud partner of both the men's and women's NCAA March Madness and The Final Four for over 20 years, is taking its support to the next level in Tampa. The brand is offering an exciting lineup of interactive fan experiences, community-driven initiatives, and a free concert featuring rapper GloRilla at the Super Saturday Concert. Fans can enjoy a festive atmosphere and even create their ideal basketball court using cutting-edge AI technology. Continuing its tradition of giving back, AT&T will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa and Human-I-T for every basket made in their interactive AI basketball game, Tournament of Dreams, with donations capped at $100K. The UCLA Bruins will make their historic first appearance in the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four, writing a new chapter in their program's story. Despite never having won an NCAA title or reached a Final Four before, the Bruins have made significant strides this season under head coach Cori Close. With a talented roster and the leadership of junior center Lauren Betts, UCLA has earned their spot among the nation's best. On the other side, the UConn Huskies are a true powerhouse in women's basketball. With 11 national championships, more than any other school. The Huskies record includes an unprecedented four consecutive titles from 2013 to 2016, reaching the Final Four 22 times. Following head coach Geno Auriemma lead, UConn's consistency has been unmatched. The Huskies have a lineup full of elite talent, including top projected 2025 WNBA Draft pick Paige Bueckers, who has been a key contributor both offensively and defensively throughout the year. Defending champions South Carolina continue as a favorite to win the title. Coming off an undefeated 2024 season where they secured their third national title in history, Coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks are eager to defend their crown. With one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the country, their dominant and physical play is driven by strong defense and an aggressive 3-point shooting game. Led by head coach Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns have been a constant contender in the NCAA tournament, and they bring a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy to this year's Final Four. Players like Rori Harmon and Madison Booker have been pivotal to Texas' success, combining strong defense with an ability to score at will. As the Women's Final Four approaches in Tampa, Sabina Ahmed, Assistant Vice President of Sponsorships & Experiential at AT&T, discussed how the company's support for women's basketball has evolved and how they continue to engage fans in unique and impactful ways. 'We have been long-standing partners of the NCAA across both men's and women's sports, as well as other NCAA-owned properties," said Ahmed. 'Basketball is a major focus for us due to the excitement and fan engagement it generates. Our partnership includes a significant media investment, and we take pride in being leaders in media presence. Beyond that, we engage fans through social and digital platforms and create premium on-site experiences.' AT&T ensures that the energy they bring to the women's tournament matches that of the men's. "Our commitment to women's basketball is evident through our increased media investment year over year," Ahmed explained. 'We also leverage our talent partnerships and create opportunities for future women in sports. As we head into Tampa for this year's Final Four, we're excited to continue showing up in meaningful ways for women's basketball.' The Connecting Tampa event at the Women's Final Four is an initiative that has been running for several years, designed to provide college students and young professionals with opportunities to network with influential leaders in the sports industry. It's a key part of AT&T's broader commitment to advancing women in sports, going beyond the NCAA tournament to create lasting impact and growth in the field. Ahmed elaborated on the company's broader vision: 'Women's sports are at the forefront of our efforts. The momentum around women's sports is undeniable, especially with stars like Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson leading the way. We're proud to support their journeys. At AT&T, we want to show that our commitment goes beyond the court—whether that's through our sponsorships or creating innovative opportunities for fans to engage in ways they never have before.' As the 2025 Women's Final Four prepares to tip off in Tampa, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend. With four powerhouse teams vying for the national title, fans can expect high-energy matchups that showcase the very best of women's NCAA basketball.

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