As the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four approaches, the focus is not just on the games, but also on the changing landscape of college athletics, particularly regarding revenue sharing and its implications for women's basketball. University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma addressed these issues during a media day on April 4, 2025, as his team prepared to face UCLA in a highly anticipated matchup.
Auriemma, who has led UConn to an impressive 11 national championships and 24 Final Four appearances, expressed his concerns about the potential impact of revenue sharing on the sport. "It will ruin parity," he stated bluntly, emphasizing that while he supports the idea of revenue sharing, he believes it could lead to an imbalance in competition. This comes on the heels of a federal judge granting preliminary approval to a proposed settlement allowing college athletics departments to pay athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
The upcoming final-approval hearing on April 7, 2025, will determine how this new model will be implemented. Under the proposed agreement, athletes would continue to receive NIL compensation from non-school entities, but schools would also be allowed to pay athletes directly, with a cap set between $20 million to $23 million per year. However, Auriemma is skeptical about whether schools will adhere to these caps, stating, "You think anybody in their right mind is going to stick to (the cap)? That might be what's on the books, but that ain't going to be the final number."
As UConn heads into the Final Four, they are facing UCLA, the No. 1 overall seed, which boasts a formidable 6-foot-7 center. In contrast, UConn counters with a 6-foot-5 freshman center, adding to the narrative of UConn being perceived as the "pesky underdogs" of this tournament. Auriemma chuckled at this characterization, noting how strange it is for a program with such a storied history to be labeled as underdogs. "I’m still shocked over the words ‘underdogs’ and ‘UConn’ coming out of your mouth at the same time," he remarked, referencing a quip made by ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt.
Despite the underdog label, UConn has proven its mettle, winning 14 straight games, including a significant victory over South Carolina. The Huskies' roster features standout players like Paige Bueckers, who averaged an astounding 35 points in the last three tournament games, and Sarah Strong, who recently scored 22 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the Elite Eight against Southern California. Auriemma highlighted Bueckers' ability to shine under pressure, stating, "She has a flair for the moment."
However, Auriemma also expressed concern about the future of women's basketball in light of the anticipated changes to NIL regulations. He pointed out that as money becomes a driving force in the sport, fewer programs will be able to compete with the top schools. He likened the potential outcome to a scenario where only a few elite programs thrive, leaving others to struggle. "When you do those kind of things and it's money-driven, it's going to be who is going to become the Dodgers and Yankees? How many of those are you going to have and how many other programs in women's basketball are going to be Milwaukee and Kansas City? Because that's where we're headed," he said.
Moreover, the quick turnaround of the NCAA tournament has also been a point of contention for Auriemma. He voiced his grievances about the tight schedule, which he believes adds unnecessary pressure on teams and players. This year, UConn's path to the Final Four has been marked by both triumph and tribulation, showcasing the resilience of a team that is not only young but also incredibly talented.
As the anticipation builds for the Final Four clash against UCLA, Auriemma and his team remain focused on their goal of securing a 12th national title. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable, but the Huskies have shown time and again that they can rise to the occasion. With a blend of seasoned coaching and youthful exuberance, UConn is prepared to challenge the narrative and prove that they are more than just underdogs.
In the larger context of college athletics, the discussions surrounding NIL payments and revenue sharing are likely to shape the future of women's basketball. As coaches like Auriemma navigate these changes, the implications for parity and competition will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The upcoming Final Four not only represents a pivotal moment for UConn but also serves as a microcosm of the evolving landscape of college sports.
With the tournament in full swing and the stakes higher than ever, UConn's journey through the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament continues to captivate audiences. As they gear up to face UCLA, the questions surrounding their status as underdogs, the implications of revenue sharing, and the future of women's basketball remain at the forefront of discussions. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the UConn Huskies are ready to make their mark.
