Fans are asking that there be some TV coverage for the events of the tournament, and while that wish remains to be granted, we did get some good news to share today: the Pac-12 Championship will still be held in Seattle at least up until 2019. The extension was granted for another three years and the tournament partners—including Force 10 Sports Management, LLC, the Seattle Sports Commission, and Seattle Center—have all agreed to sponsor the event again. The tournament will continue to be held at the KeyArena.

The last agreement occurred during 2012 and covered the last few years of tournament play, and an extension was signed for the 2016 year only. From 2013 to 2015, the event, while held in Seattle, had its highest number of attendees in history, proving that the location really helps increase not only interest in the Pac-12 games but also Seattle tourism.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott raved about Seattle’s involvement in the sport, saying, “The city of Seattle has proven to be a great home for our premiere women’s championship. Our student-athletes, member institutions, and fans have enjoyed a tremendous atmosphere inside KeyArena and we are thrilled to continue to work with partners who share our commitment to and passion for women’s sports.” If there is any city in the country that has a chance of really stimulating interest in women’s basketball and increasing turnout rates, it is Seattle.

In fact, Managing Partner of Force 10 Sports Management Lisa Brummel says that the goal is to make Seattle the “hub” of women’s sports in the nation, which fans in the area definitely support. For six seasons now, the Storm has won the WNBA’s General Manager Survey “Best Home Court Advantage in the WNBA” award due to the overwhelming support in the area. Sue Bird even cites the fans as the reason she stays in Seattle. Seattle Sports Commission Executive Director Ralph Morton agreed, saying that it has always been a goal to keep the tournament in the city to help inspire young women as well as benefit the city economically.

Today UCLA took home a victory of 73-67 during the semifinals. Tomorrow we’ll get to see who wins between Washington and Oregon State, and the winner will head to the next Pac-12 game. Fans can tune in at 6:00 for the Championship game. Tickets are still on sale for those interested in attending.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia