Ladies and gentlemen, basketball enthusiasts, and lovers of all things sports-related, have we got some exciting news for you! The women's basketball community is buzzing with anticipation as the NCAA recently announced a groundbreaking eight-year deal with ESPN. Brace yourselves, because this partnership is set to inject a whopping $65 million annually into women's college basketball. Can we get a round of applause?
This game-changing agreement not only reflects the tremendous growth of women's basketball but also signifies a significant step forward in leveling the playing field. However, avid fans and supporters of the sport are anxiously awaiting one vital missing piece: a revenue sharing program that rewards success in the NCAA Tournament.
Fear not, fellow basketball fanatics, for hope is on the horizon! NCAA President Charlie Baker has indicated their commitment to implementing revenue sharing for women's basketball. All that awaits is the proposal from the Division I Board of Directors Finance Committee during their imminent meeting in Phoenix. The wheels are in motion, and the momentum is building towards a future where success on the court translates to prosperity for the athletes and programs involved.
Former MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor highlights the significance of revenue sharing by stating, 'Once schools see a return on their investment in a given sport, they'll invest more in the sport.' It's a no-brainer, really. Revenue sharing leads to increased focus, equitable compensation for coaches, and a tangible demonstration of the value women's basketball brings to the table. The time for change is now, and we couldn't be more excited!
While we can't expect the revenue sharing program to be in place for this year's NCAA Tournament—remember, Rome wasn't built in a day—the overwhelming consensus among coaches is that it's an essential component for the future. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley passionately emphasizes the need for revenue sharing, stating, 'We need it for women's basketball, but we need it on our campuses because that's what's happening on the guy's side.' And she's absolutely right. It's high time to recognize the revenue-generating potential of women's basketball and propel the sport to new heights.
Courtney Banghart, president of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and head coach at North Carolina, beautifully sums it up when she asks, 'How do you tell athletic directors to continue to invest in women's basketball other than out of the goodness of their own heart?' We need a system that rewards postseason success and attaches monetary value to the accomplishments of these incredible athletes. By having revenue goals to strive for, athletic directors will have no choice but to recognize and invest further in women's college basketball.
Now, there was some discussion about having a standalone deal exclusively for women's basketball. While many coaches, like coach Staley, would prefer this approach, the current agreement bundles women's basketball with other sports. Despite this, the deal still signifies progress and garners respect in the world of women's basketball. As coach Staley rightfully states, 'This deal lends some respect to our sport, and that's what we're searching for.' And respect is something that the sport undoubtedly deserves.
According to the esteemed 2021 Kaplan Report, women's basketball is valued between $81 million and $112 million. Though the bundling of the deal doesn't place women's basketball at the forefront, Baker explains that it was the best option to secure the best deal for the broadest range of sports. But fear not—bigger and better things are on the horizon!
The new deal with ESPN brings several other positives for women's basketball, such as increased promotion through social media and the ability to showcase Division II and III games on ESPN-plus. Additionally, scholarship protections, post-grad insurance, and life skill programs will further enhance and support the student-athlete experience. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the commitment to the growth and development of women's basketball across all levels.
Let us not forget the remarkable success of the women's NCAA Tournament, which drew in a record-breaking 10 million viewers for the championship game last year. The electrifying clash between Iowa and LSU captured the nation's attention and demonstrated the sport's immense potential. ESPN executive vice president for programming and acquisitions, Rosalyn Durant, emphasizes the importance of their afternoon time slot on ABC, stating, 'We found that the afternoon window on ABC seems to work pretty well.' So, for now, let's bask in the glory of afternoon basketball!
In conclusion, the new NCAA deal with ESPN injects a substantial amount of financial support into women's college basketball. While we eagerly await the implementation of a revenue sharing program, the agreement signifies a significant leap forward for the growth, recognition, and respect of the sport. The future looks bright, my friends, and we can't wait to see what lies ahead for women's basketball. So, lace up your sneakers, grab some popcorn, and get ready for a thrilling ride through the world of women's college basketball!
