March Madness just got a lot more thrilling — and historic. For the first time ever, UCLA enters the women’s NCAA Tournament as the top overall seed, leading a fiery group of No. 1s that also includes South Carolina, USC, and Texas. As the bracket was unveiled on Sunday night, fans got a glimpse at one of the most unpredictable and electrifying tournaments in recent memory.

The Bruins’ rise to the top is monumental. With just two losses all season — both against fellow No. 1 seed USC — UCLA secured its historic No. 1 ranking through consistent dominance and a résumé strong enough to edge out perennial powerhouse South Carolina. The Gamecocks, coached by Dawn Staley, may have fallen short of the top spot, but they’re still on a mission to become the first back-to-back champions since UConn’s four-peat from 2013 to 2016.

Staley made her thoughts clear: “We manufactured our schedule to be the No. 1 overall seed.” But the selection committee, led by Derita Dawkins, pointed to a head-to-head loss to UCLA and a damaging 29-point defeat to UConn as decisive factors. Still, South Carolina’s 30-3 record and recent SEC Tournament title make them a serious threat heading into March.

USC’s JuJu Watkins has also become a name to watch, powering the Trojans to a No. 1 seed and setting up a potential Sweet 16 showdown against UConn’s Paige Bueckers, who’s looking to lead the Huskies back to the Final Four. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb wasn’t shy about her thoughts on the seeding either, stating, “I never thought I’d be a 1-seed and feel disrespected.”

The seeding reflects a season of rare parity in women’s basketball, with no undefeated teams in the tournament — only the second time that’s happened in nearly two decades. Big Ten newcomers UCLA and USC are now not only changing conference dynamics but also chasing the Big Ten’s first women’s national title since Purdue’s lone win in 1999.

Other major headlines include the Ivy League making history with three teams in the bracket — Princeton, Columbia, and Harvard — and William & Mary earning its first-ever NCAA appearance despite a 15-18 record. Meanwhile, longtime contenders like Stanford were shockingly left out, ending their 36-year tournament streak.

But this year’s tournament won’t just be about glory — it’ll bring real financial rewards to women’s teams for the first time ever. With the introduction of performance units — the same revenue structure used in the men’s game — each tournament win can bring in big dollars. A Final Four run could be worth $1.26 million to a team’s conference over the next three years.

With regional rounds set in Spokane and Birmingham, and the Final Four tipping off in Tampa on April 4, the stage is set for drama, redemption, and possible history. And if last year’s championship — which drew more viewers than the men’s final — is any indicator, this tournament is one fans simply cannot miss.

Understanding Prince William’s net worth goes beyond simple salaries — he is supported by one of the world’s most enduring and complex royal financial ecosystems. As of 2025, William’s personal net worth is estimated between $100 million and $120 million, according to several reputable sources

A major contributor to this wealth is the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate valued at roughly £1 billion (about $1.3 billion), which William inherited in 2022, following his father’s ascension to the throne . Last year alone, the Duchy generated a surplus of approximately £23.6 million (around $30 million USD)

While the Duchy’s land, assets, and revenues are used to fund William’s official and charitable responsibilities, he voluntarily pays income tax on this money, a move that adds transparency to his financial standing

Additional financial factors include inheritances—such as the £21 million from Princess Diana and £17.6 million from the Queen Mother—along with previous earnings from military service and charitable roles . Though these sources are smaller in comparison, they played a notable role in his earlier wealth accumulation.


That said, some reports suggest a far higher valuation — over £1 billion — when factoring in the full Duchy portfolio associated with his title . However, most modern net worth estimates for William hover around $100–$200 million, emphasizing his personal financial assets rather than the broader institutional wealth of the Duchy.

In essence, while William oversees and benefits from vast royal holdings, his personal fortune remains in the low hundreds of millions, bolstered by his high-profile role, voluntary taxation, and the financial impact of inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall

Lindsay Gottlieb, the esteemed head coach of the USC Trojans women’s basketball team, has turned her passion and coaching brilliance into a substantial financial footprint. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at around $2 million USD, a figure that reflects her long-standing success across collegiate and professional basketball

Gottlieb’s journey to financial prominence began with her early coaching years at UC Santa Barbara, followed by a remarkable tenure at the University of California, Berkeley, where she led Cal to its inaugural Final Four appearance in 2013 . Her career then ascended further through an NBA assistant coaching role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, before taking the helm at USC in 2021

In April 2024, Gottlieb solidified her value to USC with a six-year contract extension through the 2029–30 season — a deal rumored to be worth approximately $7.5 million in total, including an annual salary of $1 million, with scheduled raises of $100,000 per year . This level of compensation places her among the highest-paid coaches in women’s college basketball.

Her financial growth is rooted in consistent performance: Gottlieb led the Trojans to their first Elite Eight appearance in 30 years, secured Pac‑12 Tournament titles, and guided USC to its first-ever No. 1 NCAA seed — achievements that not only bolster her résumé but also translate into performance bonuses and elevated market value

What stands out about Lindsay Gottlieb is her ability to blend strategic vision with financial reward. By securing top results and negotiating landmark contracts, she exemplifies how coaching excellence can indeed lead to long-term wealth and influence in the sports world.