The NCAA is considering implementing unit distribution for the women’s basketball tournament starting next year.
Currently, unit distribution exists for the men’s tournament, where each conference receives revenue units based on the number of games their teams play, and the money is distributed to schools over six years.
The women’s tournament does not offer units, but this may change as early as next year. The NCAA aims to introduce unit distribution in the women’s game for the 2025 tournament as part of its new media rights deal with ESPN.
NCAA reportedly targeting unit distribution for women’s basketball tournament in 2025 https://t.co/Kj381lXZIV pic.twitter.com/z5RGnSgx3R
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 8, 2024
This deal, which pays $920 million over eight years, will significantly increase the financial benefits for women’s basketball.
Coaches and advocates of women’s basketball, such as Dawn Staley and Lisa Bluder, have been pushing for unit distribution for years, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the sport.
However, the NCAA must go through a series of committees to determine the distribution methods and unit values, with a full vote scheduled for January.
Implementing unit distribution would be a significant advancement for the women’s tournament and the overall growth of women’s basketball.
