Collegiate Women’s Basketball: NCAA Approves Compensation for Participation in March Madness Tournament

Women’s college basketball teams will now receive compensation for participating in the NCAA Tournament, a monumental shift in the way collegiate women’s sports are structured.

In a historic vote, the NCAA Board of Governors has unanimously approved a proposal that will see Division I women’s basketball teams earn “performance units” for every game they play in March Madness. This change comes as men’s basketball teams have been part of revenue-sharing plans for years.

Starting this year, $15 million will be awarded to participating teams, making up 26% of the total media revenue deal. The compensation package is expected to increase annually, with $20 million allocated for the 2026-27 fiscal year and $25 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year.

The payout system operates similarly to that of men’s college basketball, where teams earn units based on their performance in the tournament. These units will then be paid out to schools over a rolling three-year basis, with the amount increasing as a team advances further in the competition.

For instance, a team that reaches the Final Four could potentially earn their conference $1.26 million over the next three years.

NCAA President Charlie Baker praised the decision, stating that it represents a significant investment in women’s sports and basketball specifically. “This is a historic day for women’s sports, women’s basketball and the NCAA,” he said in a statement. “We have made investing in women’s sports a priority, and today’s vote means our members can do even more on campus to promote and support female athletes.”

The move comes after last year’s national championship game saw record-breaking attendance and viewership numbers, with 18.7 million viewers tuning in and a significant increase from the previous year. The NCAA has also reported that viewership records were set across all six rounds of the tournament.

Several players have weighed in on the news, with UConn head coach Geno Auriemma stating that this decision is a “statement about where women’s basketball fits into the bigger picture of college athletics.” His player, Paige Bueckers, echoed his sentiments, saying that it’s “capitalizing on the momentum” and “a step in the right direction.”

The NCAA Tournament for women’s college basketball will begin on March 19th in Tampa, Florida.

Source: www.cbsnews.com