• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

SEC, Big Ten Secure $3M Payouts From Women’s March Madness

This is the first women’s March Madness tournament to award conferences with prize payouts. 

Gary Cosby Jr./USA Today Network via Imagn Images

The national champions have yet to be decided in both the women’s and men’s March Madness tournaments, but the SEC has already emerged as a winner.

After securing a record $70 million payout in the men’s tournament from 35 units, the SEC has earned another $3.4 million from 30 units in the women’s tournament, the most of any conference. The Big Ten finished second with $3.18 million in payouts from 28 units despite sending 12 teams to the Big Dance compared to the SEC’s 10.

This is the first year the NCAA offered prize money for successful tournament teams in the women’s tournament. The men’s tournament has enjoyed payouts for decades. This year’s total payout is $15 million, which amounts to around $113,636 per unit. Each unit in the men’s tournament is worth approximately $2 million.

FOS graphic

The women’s tournament pool will increase to $20 million in 2026 and $25 million in 2027 before settling into a 2.9% yearly increase.

The ACC, which was represented by eight teams, earned $2.16 million, while the Big 12, which sent seven teams, secured $1.7 million. The Big East earned $681,000 despite having just two teams because of UConn’s Final Four run.

There were 132 units available in the tournament. Each team that qualifies for March Madness earns a unit, and every additional game a team plays is worth another unit. Only the championship game does not count, so the Final Four schools are already locked in to five units.

For example, William & Mary earned two units—one from securing an automatic qualifier by winning the Coastal Athletic Association tournament and another from winning its First Four game over High Point.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Trinity Rodman

FIFA Says U.S., U.K. Are Sole Bidders for ’31, ’35 Women’s World..

The United States hasn’t hosted a Women’s World Cup since 2003.

In the NIL Era, College Basketball’s Biggest Programs Keep Winning

Only Power 4 teams qualified for the men’s Sweet 16.

Money Talks, Dodgers Win: L.A.’s Historic Start Fuels Payroll Debate

A perfect 7–0 start combines with an unprecedented luxury-tax payroll.

Featured Today

Dec 27, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) skates during warm ups before their game against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center at San Jose

Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks Rookies Have Brought Good Vibes to a..

The rookie’s arrival has boosted spirits incongruously high inside the flagging franchise.
Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
April 1, 2025

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion
April 1, 2025

Inside the 24-Hour NIL March Madness Deals

Some of the most viral partnerships come together overnight.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Paige Bueckers
March 31, 2025

Paige Bueckers Extends College Career Another Week

Bueckers advancing is a win for UConn, the Big East, and ESPN.
April 1, 2025

Women’s Elite Eight Ratings Down 53%, Still Top Pre–Caitlin Clark Years

UConn wasn’t in the most-watched game for the first time.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Olivia Miles
March 31, 2025

Top WNBA Draft Prospect Opts For Transfer Portal Instead

Olivia Miles had been projected as a top-2 pick.
Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) guards William & Mary guard Bella Nascimento (5) during the first round NCAA playoff game at the Moody Center on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
March 31, 2025

William & Mary Nets Financial ‘Units’ for School After First Tournament Win

The school is the second-oldest university in the country.
Trae Young
March 31, 2025

Trae Young Is Latest NBA Star to Take On 7-Figure College Job

Young is the latest NBA star to join the college arms race. 
Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4), left, guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) and head coach Bruce Pearl celebrate with teammates after winning the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Arena.
March 31, 2025

SEC Earns Record $70M in Men’s March Madness Units

The NCAA distributes payouts based on participation and prowess in the tournament.