Mark Pope’s contract with the University of Kentucky: how much money does the Wildcats coach make?

Mark Pope’s first season as head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats is turning out to be a profitable one – and not just because of the scoreboard.

The former BYU coach and Kentucky alum is in the middle of his debut NCAA Tournament run in charge of the Wildcats, and he’s already racking up big-money performance incentives baked into his deal. After Kentucky beat Illinois 84-75 in the second round, Pope triggered a $50,000 bonus and, more significantly, secured an automatic one-year extension to his contract. Talk about instant reward!

What bonuses are in Mark Pope’s Kentucky contract?

Pope’s contract includes a stack of incentives tied to success in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament. Here’s how his March Madness money could shake out:

• $50,000 for making the Sweet 16 (already earned)
• $100,000 for reaching the Elite Eight
• $250,000 for a Final Four appearance
• $500,000 if Kentucky wins the national title

Should Pope guide Kentucky to its first Final Four since 2015, he’ll bank a quarter-million dollars. Win the whole thing? Add another half a million to the total.

That’s not all. The deal also rewards regular-season and academic performance:

• $100,000 for winning the SEC regular-season title
• $50,000 for winning the SEC Tournament
• $25,000 for maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher
• $25,000 for an APR score of at least 975

The Wildcats didn’t grab either SEC title this year, but Pope still has a chance to make his first March at Rupp a cash-heavy one.

What’s next for Pope and Kentucky?

Kentucky now faces Tennessee in the Sweet 16—a team Pope’s squad has already beaten twice this season. Win again, and he not only reaches the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019, but also triggers another six-figure payout. Beyond that, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will host the regional finals, with the Final Four waiting in San Antonio.

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