Geno Auriemma recalls that when he was hired as UConn‘s women’s basketball coach in 1985, the sports atmosphere was “innocent” compared to now. The team didn’t have a locker room exclusively for them, the gyms where they played were smaller, and they regularly drove eight hours for away games. The game itself was slower, with fewer 3-pointers shot and less scrutiny given the absence of social media.

Forty years later, Auriemma realizes he should have enjoyed it more, with sports now a behemoth business.

“It takes a long time to get [to the top], and it’s really hard to stay there,” he said in an interview for the latest episode of Sportico Sports Business Presented by Endava, airing Tuesday on YES Network.

Fans can see more in the upcoming three-part documentary, The Dynasty: UConn Huskies, releasing Aug. 21, 2026 on Apple TV, about the rise of UConn’s women’s basketball team under Auriemma’s guidance into the most dominant college basketball program.

Additionally in the upcoming episode, you can look for discussion on the Vinod Khosla’s $9.6 billion agreement to buy the Seattle Seahawks; Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Fest, which took place in New York City July 16-19; and analysis from Sportico‘s data reporter Lev Akabas on the stars of the FIFA World Cup.

Sportico Sports Business Presented by Endava airs monthly. Presenting sponsor Endava is a leading provider of next-generation technology services, driving digital transformation for our customers by combining innovative technology and deep industry expertise with an AI-native approach.