NCAA grants women's teams payment for tournament participation

March Madness is underway, bringing enthusiasm for college basketball. This year marks a significant moment for women's basketball, as teams will now receive payments based on their performance in the tournament. The NCAA made a unanimous decision to equalize the funding for women's teams with men’s teams, which have received payments since 1991. Starting in 2025, a total of $15 million will be shared among the women's teams participating in March Madness. This amount will increase to $20 million in 2026 and $25 million in 2027. Although the funds go to the schools, they can be used for various expenses like scholarships, travel, and facilities. The change is seen as an important step toward financial equity in sports, addressing longstanding pay gaps between men's and women's competitions. Players like Clara Strack and Shakira Austin expressed their excitement about the decision, recognizing its significance for future women athletes. In recent years, women's college basketball has gained visibility and popularity. Last year's final game attracted 18.9 million viewers, outpacing the men's final for the first time. All women's games will be televised during March Madness 2025, reflecting the growing interest in the sport. With this new financial structure, there are also opportunities for athletes to secure deals with brands. Strack has partnered with Intuit Turbo Tax, while Austin works with Tylenol, highlighting the increasing value of female athletes. Experts believe that as visibility and support for women's sports grow, the market will expand further, benefiting future generations of female athletes. The NCAA's decisions show a changing perspective on the value of women's basketball and aim to continue growing its presence and respect in the sports world.