• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 3, 2026

Alabama Makes Nick Saban Highest-Paid NCAA Coach, Again

  • Saban will make more than $90 million over eight years.
  • He’s again the highest-paid coach in college football, as well as college sports.
Nick Saban highest paid college football head coach.
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this year, Alabama’s Nick Saban didn’t just lose the national championship. He also lost his seat as the highest-paid coach in college sports.

But on Tuesday, the University of Alabama’s Board of Trustees reinstalled him on the throne.

The board approved a one-year extension and raise on his contract that will run until 2030, paying out more than $90 million in total.

  • The contract includes a $305,000 base salary, as well as hefty “talent fees” and bonuses that bring Saban’s annual compensation above $10 million.
  • Saban will make $10.7 million in his first year, and $12.7 in his last.

Saban has already racked up a total of nine figures while coaching the Crimson Tide, as AL.com calculated. His new contract, if paid in full, will bring his complete earnings to around $200 million.

He now makes more than Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who had the largest salary for only a matter of months after his contract was raised following his College Football Playoff victory.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Brett Yormark and Cody Campbell Fight Over Who Runs Big 12

“He is not the dictator of the conference. That’s not his role.”

NCAA Is Trying to Close NBA Draft Eligibility Loophole

If passed, the rules will be implemented by the next academic year.

Iowa State Star Audi Crooks Enters Transfer Portal

Crooks, an Iowa native, has one year of eligibility remaining.

Why a Furniture Store Is Risking $50M on UConn Basketball

Jordan’s Furniture will refund purchases if both Huskies teams make the final.

Featured Today

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”

The European Agent Behind the Illinois Final Four Run

Miško Ražnatović represents four of the Illinois “Balkan Five.” 
exclusive
March 30, 2026

Alabama, Nebraska, Michigan Spent Most on CFB Private Jet Travel

Texas A&M spent $493,000 on coach Mike Elko’s travel alone.
March 30, 2026

Top Seeds Sweep Women’s Final Four As 2025 Teams All Return

It’s the first repeat Final Four in 30 years.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
March 29, 2026

UConn Men, Women Reach Final Four Despite Financial Pressures

UConn men and women both reach Final Four in rare feat.
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) attempts to dribble the ball past St. John's Red Storm forward Bryce Hopkins (23) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 27, 2026

Duke vs. St. John’s: The Battle of Dueling Roster Strategies

In the “unrestricted free agency” era, the Blue Devils won out.
Feb 22, 2026; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) celebrates after time expires against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC Yum! Center
March 27, 2026

UVA Shows Anyone Can Win in Women’s Basketball—at a Price

Ohanian’s millions set a blueprint for winning in the NCAA.
Senate Capitol Hill
March 26, 2026

The Biggest Obstacle to a Bipartisan College Sports Bill

Democrats favor collective bargaining as a potential solution.