Photo by: Lillie Yazdi
Women's Basketball to Open 2024-25 Season at Aflac Oui-Play in Paris
July 23, 2024 | Women's Basketball
LOS ANGELES – UCLA Women's Basketball is slated to face the University of Louisville on Monday, Nov. 4, to open the season at the 2024 Aflac Oui-Play event in Paris, France.
The Bruins will take the court at Adidas Arena in Paris against the Cardinals as part of a doubleheader; USC and Ole Miss round out the four teams competing in France. The UCLA-Louisville matchup will be the first meeting between programs.
"This is the preeminent opening event in women's college basketball," said Close. "There will be elite competition and intentional, educational, and cultural opportunities for our young women. It sets the stage for what we want to accomplish on the court, and it's a mission-minded experience at the same time."
Game times are yet to be announced; tip-off will be set for 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. PT.
Quotables
"We are eager to continue supporting women's sports through Aflac Oui Play for the second year," said Aflac Chief Marketing Officer Garth Knutson. "This initiative aligns with our commitment to champion female athletes and make history by advancing women's college basketball. Given the surge in viewership during last year's season, it's clear that there is a widespread interest in women's sports and Aflac is proud to be part of this momentous journey."
"Following a very successful first edition in November 2023, I am delighted to welcome this new NCAA women's basketball game to our city," said Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo. "It will bring together talented athletes and enthusiastic Parisians in a spirit that reflects sport's highest values. Paris has a long history of organizing large-scale events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The return of the NCAA reflects our strong support for the development of women's basketball and basketball in general in Paris."
"I am delighted Paris is welcoming back NCAA women's basketball this fall," said Denise Campbell Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco. "Through the lens of sports diplomacy, this event highlights the important bond between France and the United States of America, showing that sports transcend borders to foster cooperation."
The Bruins will take the court at Adidas Arena in Paris against the Cardinals as part of a doubleheader; USC and Ole Miss round out the four teams competing in France. The UCLA-Louisville matchup will be the first meeting between programs.
"This is the preeminent opening event in women's college basketball," said Close. "There will be elite competition and intentional, educational, and cultural opportunities for our young women. It sets the stage for what we want to accomplish on the court, and it's a mission-minded experience at the same time."
Game times are yet to be announced; tip-off will be set for 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. PT.
Quotables
"We are eager to continue supporting women's sports through Aflac Oui Play for the second year," said Aflac Chief Marketing Officer Garth Knutson. "This initiative aligns with our commitment to champion female athletes and make history by advancing women's college basketball. Given the surge in viewership during last year's season, it's clear that there is a widespread interest in women's sports and Aflac is proud to be part of this momentous journey."
"Following a very successful first edition in November 2023, I am delighted to welcome this new NCAA women's basketball game to our city," said Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo. "It will bring together talented athletes and enthusiastic Parisians in a spirit that reflects sport's highest values. Paris has a long history of organizing large-scale events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The return of the NCAA reflects our strong support for the development of women's basketball and basketball in general in Paris."
"I am delighted Paris is welcoming back NCAA women's basketball this fall," said Denise Campbell Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco. "Through the lens of sports diplomacy, this event highlights the important bond between France and the United States of America, showing that sports transcend borders to foster cooperation."
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