UConn Coach Criticizes Impact of NIL on Mid-Major Programs

Geno Auriemma says new college landscape hurts smaller schools and high school recruits.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective view of a women's college basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and burgundy colors.Geno Auriemma's criticism of NIL deals highlights the growing divide between major and mid-major college basketball programs.Richmond Today

University of Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma has strongly criticized the impact of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals and revenue sharing on mid-major college programs, arguing that these changes are detrimental to smaller schools and high school recruits.

Why it matters

Auriemma's comments highlight growing concerns that the new college sports landscape, shaped by NIL deals and increased revenue sharing, is widening the gap between major programs and mid-majors, making it harder for smaller schools to compete for top talent.

The details

Auriemma said the rise of NIL deals and revenue sharing has been 'the death of the mid-majors.' This season, only 27 mid-major teams were included in the Women's NCAA Tournament, with just one - Richmond out of the Atlantic 10 - receiving an at-large bid. None of the mid-major teams advanced past the first round.

  • The 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament took place in April 2026.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, a perennial powerhouse program.

Richmond

A mid-major college basketball program that received an at-large bid to the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“That was the death of the mid-majors.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, University of Connecticut Women's Basketball

The takeaway

Auriemma's comments underscore the growing divide between major college basketball programs and their mid-major counterparts, as the new financial realities of NIL deals and revenue sharing make it increasingly difficult for smaller schools to attract and retain top talent.