Turkey wins European playoff, will face USMNT at World Cup

Turkey defeated Kosovo 1-0 in a World Cup playoff on Tuesday, clinching a berth in Group D alongside the U.S. men's national team.

Kerem Aktürkoğlu gave Turkey the lead early in the second half, tapping home on the doorstep after a scuffed shot from Orkun Kökçü.

That was all the visitors needed as they advanced to the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

The USMNT learned at the World Cup draw in December that it would face Paraguay and Australia in the group phase, but has been waiting to find out the identity of its third opponent.

That team will be Turkey, which defeated Romania 1-0 in a semifinal on Thursday, March 26 before victory over Kosovo on Tuesday at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Kosovo.

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Turkey is ranked 23rd in FIFA's world rankings, making it the second highest-ranked team in Group D behind the U.S. (15th).

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Estadio BBVA – Monterrey, Mexico

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Estadio Akron –Guadalajara, Mexico

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> BMO Field – Toronto

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lumen Field – Seattle

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> NRG Stadium – Houston

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, California

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16

MetLife Stadium– East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

The USMNT and Turkey have faced off five times in their history, with each team winning two games and the other match ending in a draw.

Most recently, Turkey defeated the USMNT 2-1 in a June 2025 friendly.

Turkey's win means the USMNT will enter the World Cup having faced all three of its group stage opponents within the last year. The U.S. defeated Australia in October and Paraguay in November.

Turkey World Cup group stage schedule

• June 13 vs. Australia, BC Place - Vancouver, BC.

• June 19 vs. Paraguay, Levi's Stadium - Santa Clara, CA

• June 25 vs. USMNT, SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles, CA

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Turkey to face USMNT at World Cup after playoff win

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 31, 2026

Turkey wins European playoff, will face USMNT at World Cup

Turkey defeated Kosovo 1-0 in a World Cup playoff on Tuesday, clinching a berth in Group D alongside the U.S. men's n...

Read More

Chiefs HC gives update on Patrick Mahomes' injury recovery

When it comes to professional athletes recovering from injuries, no news is usually good news.

That should bode well forKansas City ChiefsquarterbackPatrick Mahomes, who is working his way back from a torn ACL and LCL. WhenChiefshead coachAndy Reidspoke to reporters at the annual league meeting on March 31, he gave something of a there-is-no-update update on his star quarterback.

Asked about Mahomes' timeline to return from injury, Reid said he'll leave it to the medical team to determine whether or not the quarterback is "ahead of schedule" in his recovery.

"I'm going to defer to the experts on that," Reid said when asked if Mahomes would be limited for training camp. "So, if he's good to go, he'll go. If he's not, we'll manage that. So, we'll just cross it as we go. Everybody's different. Everybody heals different. Everybody's injuries are a little bit different. We don't have to put him in a category. We'll see, see where it goes."

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Reid added that it's been all "positive" for the passer during his rehab.

NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE:USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our NFL vodcast

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Prescott's $60 million AAV makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL. The Dallas quarterback signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Cowboys on the eve of the 2024 NFL season opener.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow also signed a deal with an AAV of $55 million, however his deal was for five years and $275 million. Burrow agreed to the extension with Cincinnati on Sept. 7, 2023.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-2. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lawrence signed his own five-year, $275 million dollar extension on June 13, 2024. His AAV is also $55 million.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Allen's $55-million AAV ties him with Love, Burrow and Lawrence, however the Bills quarterback's extension was for six years and $330 million.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

With an AAV of $53.1 million, Tagovailoa barely beats the next few players on this list. The Dolphins signed him to a four-year, $212.4 million extension on July 26, 2024.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

The Lions rewarded Goff with a four-year, $212 million extension before the 2024 NFL season after he helped turn Detroit into a top contender in the NFC. His deal has an AAV of $53 million.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-7. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL Draft shocked the world after taking over as the 49ers QB and turned his success into a five-year, $265 million contract on May 16, 2025. Purdy will earn an average of $53 million per season.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert earns an AAV of $52.5 million after he signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension with the Chargers before the 2023 NFL season.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Jackson's average salary is $52 million thanks to the five-year, $260 million contract he signed on April 27, 2023.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

The Super Bowl LIX MVP earns an average salary of $51 million. He signed a five-year, $255 million deal in April 2023 and has already paid off the Eagles' investment with a Super Bowl win.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers

Parsons became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history after signing a four-year, $186 million extension following his trade from the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers. His AAV is $46.5 million.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Murray earns $46.1 million on average after he signed a five-year, $230.5 million deal on July 21, 2022.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

Despite playing just 19 games over three seasons with Cleveland, Watson's contract has an AAV of $46 million. He signed a five-year, $230 million contract after the Browns acquired him in a trade with the Houston Texans on March 18, 2022.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-15. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons before the 2024 NFL season. Despite losing the starting QB job to Michael Penix Jr., Cousins earns $45 million on average.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-15. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes' 10-year, $450 million deal is the biggest contract in NFL history, despite his $45 million AAV ranking him 15th on this list.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams signed Stafford to a two-year, $84 million extension for an AAV of $42 million before the 2025 NFL season.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Watt signed a three-year, $123 million deal on July 17, 2025, to briefly make him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback before Micah Parson's extension with the Green Bay Packers. Watt earns an average salary of $41 million.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase became the NFL's highest-paid wide receiver after signing a four-year, $161 million extension before the 2025 NFL season. His average salary is $40.25 million

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

Garrett earns a $40 million AAV. The Browns defensive end signed a four-year, $160 extension on March 9, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

Crosby also earned his big payday in March, signing a three-year, $106.5 million contract just four days before Garrett's extension. Crosby earns a $35.5 million AAV.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension on June 3, 2024 to make him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback in history at the time. He earns $35 million on average.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> T-23. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

Two months after Jefferson's deal, Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million extension with Dallas. Lamb's AAV is $34 million.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Darnold scored a payday with Seattle after a resurgent season with Minnesota in 2024. Darnold earns an AAV of $33.5 million after signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract on March 10, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas CowboysPrescott's $60 million AAV makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL. The Dallas quarterback signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Cowboys on the eve of the 2024 NFL season opener.

According to an article published byArthroscopy, recovery from an ACL tear "typically spans 9 to 12 months." The "return to sport" phase ranges from 6-12 months, with the 9-12 month range listed as a likely timeline for return to competition.

Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec. 14 during a Week 15 game against theLos Angeles Chargers. He underwent surgery to repair the ligaments in his knee the following day.

On March 25 – just over three months after his operation – Mahomes posted a video of himself throwing a football with a compression sleeve on his left leg.

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 31, 2026

Chiefs HC gives update on Patrick Mahomes' injury recovery

When it comes to professional athletes recovering from injuries, no news is usually good news. That should bod...

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2026 NCAA tournament picks, predictions: Best bets for the Final Four

We saw the definition of March Madness last weekend, whenNo. 2 UConn stunned No. 1 overall seed Duke with a last-second 3-pointer to win 73-72and complete a historic comeback after being down 15 points at halftime.

UConn is a small underdog against No. 3 Illinois in the Final Four, while No. 1 Arizona is a currently a small 'dog against fellow No. 1 seed Michigan in what should be a fantastic matchup between arguably the two best teams in the country.

Below you'll find the favorite wagers for all the games from our college basketball handicappers — Corbie Craig, Matt Jacob and Matt Russell. We'll update this piece throughout the week with more wagers from our experts.

All odds courtesy ofBetMGM.

Best bets for Saturday's Final Four games

No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 1 Michigan (-1.5, 157.5)

Jacob:First-half scores in Michigan's last five contests dating to the Big Ten tournament championship game: 38-38, 50-46, 48-39, 49-47 and 48-26. All five surpassed 75 points and all five flew over the first-half total, with the Wolverines putting up an average of 46.2 points.

Meanwhile, in its last eight games dating to the regular-season finale at Colorado, Arizona and its opponents have combined for at least 74 first-half points six times. During this stretch, the Wildcats have averaged 37.1 points in the opening 30 minutes of action.

Translation: Both of these No. 1 seeds love to push the pace, particularly early; both can fill the bucket; and both are extraordinarily efficient on the offensive end. I don't expect anything different in Saturday's Final Four nightcap.

In fact, both teams have already shown in the NCAA tournament what happens when facing an opponent that also loves to sprint up and down the court. In the Sweet 16, Arizona beat Arkansas 109-88 (with the teams combining for 97 first-half points), and Michigan thumped Alabama 90-77 (with 96 of those points scored before halftime).

It might take a beat or two for these squads to get used to shooting in a cavernous football stadium, but they'll eventually heat up and easily top 80 points before the first-half horn sounds.

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Bet: First half over 73.5 points (-125)

No. 2 UConn vs. No. 3 Illinois (-1.5, 139.5)

Jacob:Here's a quick recap of Illinois' NCAA tournament performance to date: Four wins, all by double digits; three straight opponents held to fewer than 60 points on 38% shooting; a cumulative plus-65 rebounding advantage; and four starters averaging at least 12 points per contest. Just flat-out, across-the-board domination.

So, of course I'm fading the Illini in the Final Four.

The main reason: At this point, a bet against UConn in the Big Dance is essentially a bet against the sun rising tomorrow.

The Huskies' record in their last 18 NCAA tournament games overall: 17-1 (including 15 double-digit blowouts). Their record in their last 18 tournament games from the Sweet 16 onward: 18-0 (the most recent being Sunday's miraculous Elite Eight comeback against No. 1 overall seed Duke).

Ranking Duke's worst NCAA tournament losses since its last title

Another reason why I'm backing UConn: It already manhandled Illinois once this season, rolling 74-61 as a 3.5-point favorite in Madison Square Garden back on Nov. 28. Remember those four Illini starters averaging double digits in the NCAA tournament? They combined for 18 points on 6-for-27 shooting (including 2-for-13 from 3-point range) against the Huskies.

Granted, Nov. 28 is a long time ago. But early February is not. I bring that up because that's when Illinois lost 85-82 to Michigan State in overtime — the first of four consecutive overtime losses (by a combined 10 points) that Illinois suffered between Feb. 7-March 13.

In fact, since edging Texas Tech 81-77 in their third game of the season Nov. 11, the Illini have played six games decided by fewer than six points. Their record in those six contests: 0-6. In other words, Illinois is untrustworthy in close games.

Well, I fully expect this one to be a 40-minute dogfight. And I fully expect UConn to do what UConn always does this time of year: come out on top — somehow, some way.

Bet: UConn money line (+115)

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 31, 2026

2026 NCAA tournament picks, predictions: Best bets for the Final Four

We saw the definition of March Madness last weekend, whenNo. 2 UConn stunned No. 1 overall seed Duke with a last-second 3...

Read More

NFL approves use of replay assistance to correct missed penalties if replacement refs are used

The NFL is hoping to avoid another "Fail Mary" situation. With theleague and the referees union at an impasse,the NFL voted Tuesday to approve a one-year policy that would assist replacement refs to correct "clear and obvious"missed calls during a game, Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein confirmed.

Also Tuesday, theNFL approved a separate policythat allows the replay command center in New York to consult with on-field officials if it believes a player could be disqualified from a game due to a missed call. The approved amendment also allows the replay center to put flags down on plays too, which was not part of the original proposal. This policy applies whether the usual refs or replacement refs are on the field.

Additionally, the NFL approved a rule change regarding onside kicks, which are now legal to declare at any time during the game. Previously, only trailing teams were allowed to declare them, a rule enacted as part of the new Dynamic Kickoff format implemented in 2024.

Details on NFL's new rule assisting potential replacement referees

The policy on assisting replacement referees, which team owners approved Tuesday, allows the NFL's Officiating Commander Center in New York toadvise the replacement refsif a possible penalty was missed. While replay assist isapproved for certain penaltiesalready, the new policy would allow the NFL command center to weigh in on "missed roughing the passer or intentional grounding penalty," per ABC4.com.

In previous instances, replay assist on roughing the passer plays or intentional grounding could only be used if a foul was called on the play. Under the new policy, replay assist would be able to weigh in if officials missed those calls in the moment. This policy only applies if replacement refs are used in 2026.

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The policy — and its approval — was likely the result of the "Fail Mary" fiasco back in 2012. That year, the NFL used replacement refs during the first couple weeks of the regular season. Frustration over the replacement refs came to a head during a Sept. 24 game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers, when a controversial call resulted in the Seahawks beating the Packers on the final play.

The play, and its impact, likely led to both the NFL and the referees union coming back to the bargaining table and hammering out a deal. Two days after the "Fail Mary," a deal was reached, ending the referee lockout.

The possibility of the NFL once again turning to replacement refs in 2026 seems high after negotiations between both sides stalled in late March. The league's collective-bargaining agreement with the referees union ends May 31, giving both sides two more months to hammer out a new deal.

In another attempt to avoid a "Fail Mary" situation, the NFL will reportedly beginonboarding possible replacement refs in Mayso they have more time to be trained and ready for the 2026 NFL season, per Epstein.

New NFL rule might've been inspired by DK Metcalf situation

Meanwhile, the policy on league personnel consulting officials regarding disqualifications — which is not contingent on replacement officials — could be a response to the DK Metcalf situation from last December.

During a Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions,Metcalf appeared to throw a punch at a fanin the front row. While the altercation was captured on the broadcast, officials did not see it since it occurred on the sideline. Metcalf was allowed to keep playing in the contest, which theSteelers won in dramatic fashion. Metcalf, however, was suspended by the NFL for the final two regular-season games after the league reviewed the footage of his confrontation with the fan.

Under the new policy, the NFL command center could — presumably — contact on-field officials and let them know about a situation like the Metcalf altercation shortly after it happens, possibly resulting in his ejection.

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 31, 2026

NFL approves use of replay assistance to correct missed penalties if replacement refs are used

The NFL is hoping to avoid another "Fail Mary" situation. With theleague and the referees union at an impasse,t...

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Why are the same women's basketball teams in Final Four? The answer is money

Let's go back to 1996, when Pat Summitt was dominating at Tennessee, when Geno Auriemma owned just one national championship ring, when Andy Landers had the Georgia Bulldogs playing at a contending level, and when Tara VanDerveer took the year off to focus on the Olympic team but Stanford made the Final Four anyway.

The Final Four and national championship for the Women's NCAA Tournament that year was held in Charlotte, North Carolina — the only time it's ever been played in the basketball-crazed Tar Heel State. With Michelle Marciniak leading the way for the Lady Vols, Summitt won her fourth of what would be eight national titles.

It was also the only time in the history of the tournament that the same four teams made back-to-back Final Fours, with Tennessee, UConn, Georgia and Stanford all showing up in the Queen City after having met the previous year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Until now, of course.

For the second time in the history of the tournament — which the NCAA began holding in 1982 — the same four teams will be at the Final Four: UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina. A year ago in Tampa, Florida, the Huskies defeated the Gamecocks for Auriemma's 12th national championship. The Huskies and Gamecocks will face off in the first of two national semifinal games and the Bruins andLonghornswill play in the second on April 3 in Phoenix at Mortgage Matchup Arena.

This is also the fifth time in women's March Madness history that the Final Four will feature all No. 1 seeds. It last happened in 2018, a year in which Arike Ogunbowale powered Notre Dame to its second national championship.

Kamy Peppler #1 of the Green Bay Phoenix reacts against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the third quarter during the First Round of the Women's NCAA Tournament at Williams Arena on March 20, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Phoenix 75-58.

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March Sadness hits hard in the Women's NCAA basketball tournament

Kamy Peppler #1 of the Green Bay Phoenix reacts against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the third quarter during the First Round of theWomen's NCAA Tournamentat Williams Arena on March 20, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Phoenix 75-58.

Much has been made throughout this season about the rise of parity in women's college basketball. Texas coach Vic Schaefer — who is the first coach in to take two different programs to multiple Final Fours, previously leading Mississippi State to the national title game in back-to-back seasons — talked about the increased equivalency in skill among teams after his Longhorns hammered Michigan 77-41 in the Elite Eight on Monday night.

"The parity in our game right now is at an all-time high. I think the support, the fan bases across the country, the crowds that schools are drawing, but I think the parity is what really jumps out at me," Schaefer said. "I think there are so many good players, so many good coaches. I think universities are investing in their women's basketball programs.

"This is a prime example of when you invest in something and you pour it into something and you do it the right way, you are going to get a good return."

A case could be made that parity is improving in women's basketball and the playing field has beenleveled a bit thanks to the transfer portal, NIL, revenue sharing and some universities pouring big money into their women's basketball programs.

Several teams this season ended long NCAA Tournament droughts. Texas Tech won an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2005, Clemson went dancing for just the second time since 2002, Minnesota made the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005, Notre Dame advanced to the Elite Eight as a No. 6 seed for the first time in Niele Ivey's tenure as head coach, and Virginia — a No. 10 seed this year — advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2000. All of those teams bolstered their rosters with transfers last offseason, transforming their outlooks for the year.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, however, defines parity as "the quality or state of being equal or equivalent."

And it's hard to argue Texas Tech is on the same playing field as UConn, or Clemson is capable of dominating opponents the way that UCLA has, or Virginia could hang with a team like Texas. Fans across the country saw what happened when Minnesota met the Bruins in the Sweet 16 and when the Fighting Irish clashed with the Huskies in the Elite Eight — both UCLA and UConn won by double figures.

So while parity has perhaps increased across the wide middle of the sport, it hasn't reached the very top, where — for the most part — the same four teams were behemoths from the beginning to the end of the season, save for a few regular-season upsets here and there.

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It's easy to see on the surface why the Huskies, Bruins, Longhorns and Gamecocks have separated themselves. They have great coaches and extremely talented players. UConn's Azzi Fudd, UCLA's Lauren Betts and South Carolina's Raven Johnson will all be first-round picks in the upcoming WNBA draft. Each team has multiple All-American caliber players starring for them, from UConn's Sarah Strong to Texas' duo of Madison Booker and Rori Harmon.

But a quantifiable data point that shows why these four teams have risen above the rest is money.

Players to watch in 2026 women's NCAA basketball tournament

Matt Brown, the publisher of the Extra Points newsletter which often focuses on the intersection of business and college athletics,obtained the operating budgets for women's basketballprograms in fiscal year 2025. Want to take a guess as to where these teams landed in spending?

UConn was first, South Carolina was second, Texas was fourth and UCLA was sixth — each spending north of $9 million.

Now, these figures don't include things like NIL and revenue sharing — the money that schools can directly give to athletes now thanks to the House Settlement. But it's safe to assume if these programs are spending nearly eight figures in operating expenses, their players are probably getting healthy paychecks too.

While stationed in front of loud microphones on big stages this month in the NCAA Tournament, coaches around the country used those platforms to not-so-subtly ask for more money.

"In this day and age, we've got to have more resources to be able to fund a team. I have no idea what LSU's cap is or what their total amount is for their team, but ours is probably an eighth of it, if that," Texas Tech coach Krista Gerlich said after losing to the Tigers in the second round. "I don't have a million-dollar player on my team. That doesn't mean everything except that there's a huge difference in the level of talent. We have to have that investment to be able to compete at that level."

It's worth noting LSU — which won the national championship in 2023 and has since advanced to the second weekend of the tournament in three straight seasons — was third in operational spending in fiscal year 2025 at about $12.1 million.

"You're going to need continuous support. There's got to be an investment in your sport, because it's changing. It really is," Kentucky head coach Kenny Brooks said after losing to Texas in the Sweet 16. "I am not one of those guys that's going to sit up here and say you have to have the most money to compete, but you need to be able to have the investment put into you. Then it is my job to spread it out the right way."

Texas spent about $3.4 million more than Kentucky did in fiscal year 2025. LSU spent about $4.1 million more than Texas Tech.

Those differences that Gerlich talked about were easy to see on the box scores in the Elite Eight this past weekend, where the Huskies, Bruins, Longhorns and Gamecocks won their games by an average margin of 23 points — the largest ever in that round in the history of the NCAA Tournament.

"There's more parity coming, but there's still the upper echelon of NCAA Division I women's basketball and there's the rest of us," Gerlich said. "We have to be able to fund our program in the NIL space and the rev share space to be able to compete at the level to win championships."

Texas Tech is a school thatmade no secretsabout buying its way to national title-contending status in football andsoftball. In women's basketball, the same is true — to win, schools have to spend.

Until more programs go deeper into their wallets like UConn, UCLA, Texas, South Carolina and LSU, there will continue to be a clear separation between the championship contenders and the other teams in the sport.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Women's basketball is seeing more parity, but not at the Final Four

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 31, 2026

Why are the same women's basketball teams in Final Four? The answer is money

Let's go back to 1996, when Pat Summitt was dominating at Tennessee, when Geno Auriemma owned just one national champ...

Read More