Sweet victory for Mark Pope as he cashes in $50K bonus for Kentucky’s Sweet 16 run

On Sunday night, the No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats beat the Illinois Fighting Illini 87-75 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That’s sent the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 round for the first time in six years. And it’s head coach Mark Pope who’s led them there in his first year in Kentucky.

Mark Pope’s bonus for Sweet 16 run

Thanks to Kentucky’s victory over Illinois, coach Mark Pope earned himself a nice $50,000 bonus. And not only that, but the former BYU coach also guaranteed an additional year on his contract due to a performance incentive on his initial deal.

Last year, Pope signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract. Now he’s set to earn another $5.25 million for the extra year. He could earn even more incentives if he keeps up the momentum and the team progresses further in the tournament. Pope could earn $100,000 for reaching the Elite Eight, $250,000 for a Final Four berth, and $500,000 if Kentucky wins the national championship.

On Friday, Kentucky will face the No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers, who advanced to the Sweet 16 with their 67-54 victory over UCLA on Saturday.

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