A groundbreaking contract has been crafted for Becky Burke, the new head coach of Arizona's women's basketball team. Structured similarly to men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd's agreement, this deal marks a significant shift from the previous contract held by Adia Barnes. The financial details highlight an increase in base pay and additional compensation for unspecified duties, along with substantial bonuses tied to performance metrics. This arrangement not only elevates Burke's remuneration but also aligns closely with industry standards for male counterparts in collegiate sports.
Becky Burke’s newly established contract ushers in a fresh era for women's basketball at Arizona. Unlike the prior framework under Adia Barnes, Burke's agreement mirrors those typically seen in men's programs. Her initial two years will see her earning $325,000 annually in base salary, which progressively increases over five years, culminating at $400,000. Beyond this, she is compensated an extra $350,000 yearly for additional responsibilities, bringing her total compensation to $675,000 during the first couple of seasons.
The bonus structure offers lucrative incentives based on numerous achievements. For instance, securing a conference championship could earn her $10,000, while NCAA Tournament participation ranges from $10,000 for entry to $50,000 for winning it all. Academic accomplishments are also rewarded, with team GPA and APR scores potentially adding between $15,000 and $45,000 more to her earnings. Should all these targets be fully met, her annual income could soar up to $805,000 in the early years and reach $880,000 by the fifth year.
In addition to monetary benefits, Burke enjoys various perks including a retention bonus of $100,000 upon staying until March 31, 2028, a staff budget of $900,000, and moving allowances of $20,000 (refundable if she departs prematurely). Furthermore, she was awarded a signing bonus of $25,000 for prompt acceptance of the terms. Benefits extend to transportation allowances, event tickets, and family travel provisions for post-season games.
Arizona assumes $300,000 of Burke's buyout fee from her previous role at Buffalo, where she earned $250,000 annually plus potential bonuses totaling $307,000. Both parties have agreed upon severance conditions should either side terminate the contract prematurely. Notably, Burke commits to refraining from coaching or analyzing roles within the Big 12 conference during the contract period and one year thereafter.
This innovative contract signifies a pivotal moment for equitable treatment in collegiate sports. By adopting structures akin to those used for male coaches, Arizona sets a precedent that underscores commitment to parity and excellence across its athletic departments. With approval pending from the Arizona Board of Regents, this move promises to inspire similar advancements nationwide.