NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For the first time in history, women’s basketball teams will receive monetary compensation for competing in the NCAA Tournament, aligning with the existing practices for men’s teams. This new financial structure was officially adopted during a unanimous vote at the NCAA convention, marking a significant milestone for women’s athletics.
The approval came after the Division I Board of Governors had previously backed the proposal this past August. NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed gratitude towards the pioneers of women’s basketball who have contributed to this achievement. “We’re the lucky ones. We got to witness the day this became a reality,” Baker said, emphasizing the importance of ongoing investment in women’s sports to further elevate their presence and performance.
South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, whose team claimed the national championship last year, shared her enthusiasm for the decision, describing her reaction with a simple “YES!” She remarked that this advancement is crucial for propelling women’s basketball to unprecedented heights. Staley also acknowledged the efforts of those who documented the lack of performance units as a barrier to women’s basketball’s growth amidst a rising interest in the sport.
Beginning this year, designated performance units will provide funding to women’s teams participating in the tournament. A team advancing to the Final Four could potentially yield around $1.26 million in financial benefits for their conference over a three-year period. The initial amount to be distributed from the performance fund is set at $15 million, equating to 26% of the media revenue. This share is expected to rise to $25 million, or 41% of revenue, by 2028, reflecting a structure similar to what men’s basketball teams saw upon the program’s inception.
Funds will be allocated based on the tournament’s outcomes, with North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart, who also leads the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, celebrating the decision as a vital advancement for women’s basketball. “This hard-fought day is finally here,” Banghart stated, citing the growing popularity of women’s basketball and the heightened attendance and media coverage.
The voting process at the convention was divided into two segments; the first only saw a solitary dissenting vote on the payments to be initiated for the upcoming tournament. However, a unanimous agreement was reached on establishing the fund itself, with all 292 members present voting in favor.
Louisville coach Jeff Walz voiced his satisfaction with the financial rewards set to benefit women’s basketball postseason success, while the structure of the new fund mirrors that of the established men’s basketball program. Each of the 32 conferences will be awarded one unit for an automatic tournament bid, with further units allocated for at-large selections.
The financial value of the units becomes increasingly significant as teams progress further in the tournament. The revenue distribution from these units is determined by each conference, with an average worth of approximately $2 million for units earned in the men’s tournament.
On the men’s side, teams currently benefit from 24% of the media rights deal, which encompasses an $8.8 billion agreement over the next eight years. Comparatively, women’s basketball is valued at $65 million per tournament in the NCAA’s new media rights deal with ESPN, substantially increasing from previous years.
The traditional model of the NCAA sharing March Madness revenue with its member institutions has predominantly favored the men’s tournament. For instance, the 2018 tournament garnered $844.3 million from television and media rights, primarily through a deal with CBS and Turner Sports.
With over 300 schools in Division I hosting basketball teams, the bulk of the revenue flows back to conferences and schools, which typically reinvest in various athletic initiatives, from scholarships to facility enhancements.
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph, who has substantial experience in the sport, remarked on the vote, recognizing it as a testament to years of dedication and effort. “It is an exciting time to be competing for a spot in the NCAA tournament,” she said.
Julie Roe Lach, overseeing the Division I women’s basketball committee, labeled the fund’s establishment a tremendous milestone for women’s basketball and sports at large towards achieving gender equity. She emphasized that while celebrating the current moment is important, there’s still work to be done.
The women’s tournament recently concluded its most successful year, achieving record viewership including 18.7 million viewers for the championship game, where South Carolina triumphed over Iowa, highlighting the growing interest and attendance in women’s basketball.
In related news, the Division I also sanctioned a championship for women’s wrestling, with discussions ongoing in Divisions II and III regarding similar expansion. Furthermore, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey discussed necessary unanimous consent for alterations to the College Football Playoff. Ongoing dialogues around proposed changes might simplify eligibility rules for student-athletes, creating a more straightforward structure for completing their eligibility periods.
