When $18 million worth Geno Auriemma made his feelings clear on Greg Popovich’s $80 million contract with Spurs: “I want half of that”

UConn coach Geno Auriemma joined the "Dan Patrick Show" in June 2024 after he signed an extension with the Huskies. Naturally, the conversation was about contracts, and Auriemma mentioned that his motivation for signing his extension was San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

"You know what really motivated me? When Pop [Gregg Popovich] signed his new deal," Auriemma said. (6:33)

"When Pop signed his deal I said, 'You know what, I'm gonna go to my AD and say I want half of that,' He signed for 10 years for 80 million or 5 years for 80 million. I said I'd sign 5 years for 20 million [or] whatever. Didn't play out that way, but, actually it did, it played out exactly that way."

Auriemma's net worth is $18 million per Celebrity Net Worth.

Geno Auriemma checks Paige Bueckers after star player returns from injury

Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies improved their record to 16-2 this season with a dominant 71–45 win over the St. John's Red Storm on Wednesday. The game marked the return of star guard Paige Bueckers, though she saw limited playing time compared to her usual minutes.

Bueckers performed well, contributing 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, five rebounds and two steals in just 23 minutes—the fewest minutes she’s played in a game all season. Understandably, this led to questions about whether she was on a minute restriction following her injury.

After the game, Auriemma addressed the situation with humor and strategy.

"Well, she said she wasn't [on a minutes restriction]," he said. "How many minutes did she play? 23? Yeah, she said, 'I'm not on a minutes restriction.' I said, 'Well actually, you are. But it will have nothing to do with your leg. It will be everything about how you play.' That's why I couldn’t wait to get her out in the first half."

Auriemma clarified that he aimed to keep Bueckers' time on the court around 20-23 minutes, roughly split between the halves.

It’s more likely that Bueckers will see an increase in playing time when the Huskies take on Seton Hall on Sunday.