Female athletes have always fought for equality, and a new plan is helping level the playing field.

Thanks to a recent unanimous vote, women’s college basketball teams that make it to the NCAA Tournament in March will now be paid for their success.

“It's groundbreaking," Sacred Heart University head women's basketball coach Jess Mannetti says. "It’s incredible to think that our leadership at the administrative level in the NCAA - not only fully supports it - but is empowering this incredible opportunity for our student athletes to now have monetary equity like the men do it. It’s absolutely incredible."

Under the new pay structure, teams that make it to March Madness will get a share of $15 million starting in 2025, and $25 million by 2028.

Sacred Heart has made it to the women's NCAA tournament each of the last two seasons.

“I think about how much we could’ve gained monetarily over the last two years," Mannetti says. "I think now we’re on a level playing field and we’re getting the respect we deserve."

Mid-major schools, like Sacred Heart, will benefit greatly, Mannetti says, and money earned will go back into the athletic program, benefitting all of the school's sports teams, not just basketball.

"Watching Caitlin Clark sell out arenas, watching dads be proud girl dads now and promote empowerment," Mannetti says. "It's transformational for gender equity."