Shark Beauty Women’s Basketball Classic Returns to Barclays Center on FOX

ByCoach

The Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic is coming back to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn this December. This event, presented by SharkNinja with Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) and FOX Sports, will feature some of the best women’s college basketball teams out there.

Fans can expect matchups between the University of Connecticut, the University of Iowa, the University of Louisville, and the University of Tennessee. These teams bring a strong history of championships and tough competition, so it should be a real treat for basketball lovers.

FOX will broadcast the event live, bringing women’s sports to a national audience. That’s a big deal for visibility and excitement around the game.

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
 

Event Details and Schedule

The Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic is set for Saturday, December 20th, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This early-season showcase will feature two matchups:

  • Tennessee vs. Louisville at 11 a.m. EST
  • Iowa vs. Connecticut at 1:30 p.m. EST

FOX will handle the broadcast, so viewers across the country can tune in to see these teams in action.

The Teams and Their Achievements

All four teams in the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic have impressive records. Here’s a quick look:

  • University of Connecticut: UConn dominates women’s college basketball, with several NCAA Division I National Championships and a regular spot among the nation’s top teams.
  • University of Iowa: Iowa’s program has made big strides recently, turning them into a strong contender in the NCAA tournaments.
  • University of Louisville: Louisville brings a solid history, with multiple Final Four appearances and plenty of conference titles.
  • University of Tennessee: Tennessee has a legacy of excellence, with several national championships and a reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.

Historical Context

Collectively, these teams have earned 20 NCAA Division I National Championships, 48 NCAA Final Four appearances, and over 120 conference titles. Their presence at the Classic raises the stakes and promises high-level basketball.

Advertisement
Advertisement

SharkNinja’s Commitment to Elevating Women’s Sports

SharkNinja, a global product design and tech company, really puts effort into backing women’s sports. Neil Shah, SharkNinja’s Chief Commercial Officer, says they want to boost performance through innovative products and by supporting athletes and communities shaping the future of sports.

In 2024, the first Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic brought in over 11,000 fans and reached a peak of 800,000 viewers on FOX. The event even featured a special in-arena styling activation from Shark Beauty, which got fans and athletes involved in a hands-on way.

Partnerships and Sponsorships

Several big-name brands help make the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic a success, including:

  • Capital One
  • State Farm
  • Ally
  • Lincoln Financial
  • Gatorade
  • TJ Maxx

These partnerships show just how much momentum and commercial strength the event has picked up. It’s become a key showcase for women’s sports.

HS&E’s Role in the Event

Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) is a big part of this event’s success. Co-CEOs David Levy and Chris Weil lead HS&E, which blends sports, experiential marketing, and media know-how.

Their focus on IP creation, strategic advisory, media rights, sponsorship sales, and creative strategies has really helped raise the Classic’s profile. It’s not just a game—it’s an experience, thanks in large part to their approach.

Conclusion

The Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic isn’t just another basketball event. It’s a real celebration of excellence and pure competition, and honestly, it highlights how much women’s sports are gaining ground these days.

This event brings together some of the best teams, big-name partners, and a national broadcast. It’s kind of setting a new bar for what women’s sports can look like.

Catch all the action on Saturday, December 20th. Tennessee faces Louisville at 11 a.m. EST, and then Iowa takes on Connecticut at 1:30 p.m. EST—both games air live on FOX.

Want more details? Swing by the official event page here.

Related Posts