Casino in the running for AAC conference tourneys

Connecticut casino making a bid for AAC conference basketball tournaments

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- A Connecticut casino is bidding to host the men's and women's basketball tournaments for the new American Athletic Conference.

Chris Sienko is vice president with the Mohegan Sun, which includes a 9,500-seat arena that is home to the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. He says they are interested in hosting one or both tournaments.

The casino is owned by the Mohegan tribe. It had made pitches in the past to host the Big East women's tournament, but the idea was rejected by presidents of several Catholic schools.

But those schools have split off from the conference, taking with them the Big East name. Sienko says the casino is hopeful the current AAC, which includes UConn, will be more receptive.