ESPN Events’ 2025 Peraton Armed Forces Classic will feature its first-ever women’s college basketball matchup on November 4, 2025, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. This 10th-edition event will open the 2025-26 season with a historic matchup between powerhouse programs UConn and Louisville.
Ramstein Air Base, which hosted the inaugural Armed Forces Classic in 2012 and the 2017 edition, is once again partnering closely with ESPN to transform the setting for the event. This effort involves converting a hangar into a basketball arena, with the base working hand in hand with ESPN to clear and prepare the space for the broadcast-worthy venue we see on TV. This collaborative project not only showcases the game but also immerses participants in the unique experience of life on base, allowing them to interact directly with active-duty personnel and their families.
With Peraton returning as the title sponsor, the event will continue its legacy of honoring the military community. UConn’s Huskies, with 11 NCAA titles under the guidance of legendary Coach Geno Auriemma, bring a storied history to this global stage. Auriemma, who is nearing the record for all-time wins, reflected on the honor of connecting with military members, saying “I’m thrilled we have this opportunity to play for our military members in person. It will be a lifetime experience for everyone involved.”
Louisville’s Cardinals, one of only 27 programs to achieve 1,000 wins, share in the excitement of this tribute to service members. “We’re grateful to be part of this event and eager to showcase women’s basketball before our nation’s heroes abroad,” Coach Jeff Walz shared.
This special Armed Forces Classic is part of ESPN’s America’s Heroes: Salute to Veterans initiative, which features a week of programming dedicated to honoring Veterans Day. The 2025 edition is a celebration of both the growing prominence of women’s sports and the sacrifices of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas.
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