NCAA to pay women’s college basketball teams from 2025
In a historic move aimed at closing the wage gap between men and women in college basketball, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Board of Governors unanimously voted for the establishment of an equitable pay structure for women’s teams.
Having first been proposed last August, the policy change was ratified at the NCAA convention in Nashville on January 15 and goes into immediate effect.
The landmark decision follows a well-documented surge in popularity surrounding women’s basketball in the US.
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the story.
Establishment of a new fund
Women’s college basketball has experienced a notable surge in popularity over the last couple of years, mostly thanks to the star power of players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
In the past, men’s college basketball teams have been paid ‘performance units’, which represent revenue, for every game they have played in NCAA tournaments.
Starting in 2025, performance units will also apply to women’s teams, with a fund for such payments recently being seeded to the tune of $15 million.
For reference, that amount is equivalent to roughly 25 per cent of the current women’s college basketball media rights deal.
The fund is expected to grow to $25 million by 2028.
READ MORE: Unrivaled news: Groundbreaking tournament a game-changer for women’s basketball
Landmark moment for women’s game
The groundbreaking policy shift has many excited about the future of women’s basketball.
“This is a historic day for women's sports, women's basketball, and the NCAA,” Charlie Baker, NCAA president, declared in a statement.
“We have made investing in women's sports a priority, and today's vote means our members have the opportunity to do even more on campus to promote and support female athletes. I can't wait to see all the incredible things they do.”
“It's capitalizing on the momentum that's out there," UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma said. “It's a statement that they made today about where women's basketball fits into the big picture of college athletics.”
The next edition of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament is set to kick off on March 19 in Tampa, Florida.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: iHeart Women’s Sports Audio Network to introduce eight new shows in 2025
Tournament schedule
The complete 2025 playing schedule is as follows:
First Four — March 19-20
First round — March 21-22
Second round — March 23-24
Sweet 16 — March 28-29
Elite Eight — March 30-31
Final Four — April 4, 19:00 (Eastern Time), Amalie Arena in Tampa
NCAA championship game — April 6, 15:00 (Eastern Time), Amalie Arena in Tampa
MORE FROM SHAMEEKA VOYIYA: Sponsorship of women’s sport set for continued growth, new research suggests
