• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Half of the Final Four Is Controlled by UConn and NC State

  • NC State and UConn are both sending their men’s and women’s teams to their Final Fours.
  • It’s the first time in NCAA history that not one but two schools will have both teams in a Final Four at the same time.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in NCAA history, both the men’s and women’s teams for two schools have made their respective Final Fours: UConn and NC State.

On Sunday, the NC State women beat Texas to secure their first Final Four appearance since 1998 (a thrilling upset that was marred by the discovery of unequal three-point lines). About two hours later, their men’s team did the same, upsetting Duke. “Seeing the girls have success definitely motivates us,” NC State’s DJ Horne told reporters after the win. 

Fans of UConn, on the other hand, had to wait a full two days in between their men’s and women’s teams cutting down the nets. Paige Bueckers led the Huskies to an 80-73 win over Southern Cal on Monday night with 28 points and 10 rebounds. But while the two schools have achieved the same feat, their basketball budgets could not be more different. 

NC State spent $14.5 million between its men’s and women’s programs during the 2021–22 season, according to U.S. Department of Education data. The men’s program spent $10 million, and the women’s program spent just under $5 million.

UConn, on the other hand, spent significantly more, with a combined expense report of $32.6 million. The men’s program spent $24 million (though $11 million of that was attributed to a settlement). The women’s program spent $8.5 million. 

UConn also isn’t new to sending both its teams to the Big Dance’s grandest stage. In 2014, their programs not only made it to the Final Four but also won their respective championships. NC State has never sent both teams to the Final Four at the same time before now. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) walks to the dugout after the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Target Field.

MLB’s Biggest Buyers in Frantic Deadline Weren’t Top Markets

Teams besides the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees dominate MLB’s trade deadline.
Happy Gilmore 2

Is ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Really About LIV vs. PGA Tour?

The movie’s main plotline may sound familiar to many golf fans.
Bristol Motor Speedway

MLB’s Long Road to Its Most Unusual Game Yet

The special-event game features a unique blending of baseball and racing.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.

Luka Dončić Eligible to Sign $229M Extension Saturday

Dončić can sign a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
Stanford

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
Rutgers
July 28, 2025

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
NCAA Track
July 31, 2025

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”
July 24, 2025

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.
President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrouds.
July 24, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order on College Sports Pay

The order marks Trump’s first foray into legislating college sports compensation.
July 24, 2025

ACC’s Phillips on FSU, Clemson: ‘It Can Never Be About a School..

The commissioner isn’t worried about more conference realignment.