The NCAA is taking a huge leap forward in addressing inequalities in the women’s sport. A new, and long-awaited addition that they’re making is adding monetary incentives for programs that make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. For example, a Final Four appearance could earn up to $1.26 million for a conference! This is life-changing money, and a lot of players support this rule, including some legends of the game. But how will it affect someone like Paige Bueckers and her UConn Huskies?

On A Touch More with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, the two show hosts discussed this new rule at length. “The structure itself is not that complicated, but I do think it’s worth breaking it down just a little bit.” Sue Bird, the WNBA legend, said, explaining the system to the audience. “So very loosely, what happens, or what has happened in the men’s side: The NCAA, and the powers that be, create these units and create value for theses units. And each team that gets to the NCAA tournament gets units, and the further you go, the more units you get.”

According to Bird, however, teams like Paige Bueckers’ Huskies aren’t the ones who will benefit the most from this rule.

UConn is one example of a notable team, whose consistent performance for years on end has greatly resulted in numbers. Their men’s team has won the last two national tournaments, while the women’s team, with 3 Final Four appearances in the last 4 years and the star power including Bueckers, has managed to draw in a second-best audience. As a consequence, the UConn athletic department reports a “self-generated” $62.7M in revenue during FY 2024.

Thus, the resources that they have access to are immense.

Considering the facts, Sue Bird wants to focus on the smaller conferences. She gives the example of St.Peter’s, and Murray State as teams that would benefit from this rule. “You’re getting all these units, all this money, you’re taking it back to your small conference. That money makes a difference for these conferences. They can reinvest in their facilities. They can pump up different areas with that money.”

Her words ring true. Some conferences lack the ability to invest in their facilities, having to focus their available resources on other important matters. With this rule, even smaller conferences can reinvest and compete with the best. Even St. Peter’s or Murray State can think of taking on the Huskies.

Paige Bueckers’ unstoppable Big East run

Paige Bueckers is back, and she’s been making her presence known throughout the Big East! The senior guard from UConn is averaging 19.4 points a game on very efficient shooting. Not only that, her performances have led to the Huskies remaining untouchable during conference play this year. NPOY honors are a genuine possibility for Bueckers this season.

Her last few games have been nothing short of exceptional—especially the shooting splits. In her matchup against Villanova recently, Bueckers scored 21 points while shooting a whopping 72% from the field. Similarly, she had eighteen points against the Pirates on 60% shooting. Bueckers is making the most out of every shot that she’s taking, and it’s definitely working in her favor.

The UConn Huskies are currently 18-2, while being undefeated in the Big East. If Paige Bueckers continues her offensive masterclass, the Huskies have the potential to win it all this season. With the return of Aubrey Griffin, UConn is at full strength again.

Bueckers is heading towards a long and fruitful professional career in the WNBA, and her offensive production will look to translate to the big stages. However, she has a lot that she needs to overcome before she can focus on the W. What do you think? Will Paige Bueckers help Huskies towards a successful run? Can smaller conferences catch up soon?