The NCAA March Madness tournament is an exhilarating college basketball event held annually in the United States with a thrilling single-elimination format. Every spring, it showcases 68 of the best college teams nationwide, all vying for the coveted national championship title. Have you ever pondered the significant revenue that teams and conferences generate from the March Madness?
The payout structure is complex, but let’s break it down simply. According to Sportico, teams earn a “unit” for every victory they achieve before the finals, which contributes to their conference’s overall total. After the champion is determined, these units are summed up for each conference, and the total earnings are distributed evenly among member schools.
Notably, instead of receiving their payments immediately, the money is disbursed over a six-year period. Looking at the figures from the 2024 NCAA Tournament (as reported by Sportico), the tournament generated an astonishing $226 million, with 660 units to be shared among the conferences. This amounts to approximately $342,000 for each unit in 2024. Therefore, each game played by a team in March Madness last year was effectively valued at around $2 million for their conferences over the next six years.
Ever wonder how much money teams make from March Madness? 🤔
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 20, 2025
The payout formula is complicated, but here's how it goes (per Sportico):
For every win a team gets before the finals, they earn a "unit" for their conference.
After a champion is crowned, the units are added to the… pic.twitter.com/LMGZovkmWG
In 2024, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) had the highest payout, earning $28.4 million from its 83 units. In contrast, a smaller conference like the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) secured only one unit, resulting in $1.7 million.
March Madness 2025: Men’s NCAA Tournament Schedule
Selection Sunday of March Madness 2025 kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 16. Following that, the First Four action takes place on March 18-19. The thrill continued with the First Round on March 20-21, where teams will fight hard for their chance at glory.
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Next up, the Second Round unfolds on March 22-23, showcasing more high-stakes matchups. The anticipation builds as we enter the Sweet 16 on March 27-28. Subsequently, the Elite Eight battles happen on March 29-30, as teams inch closer to the title. Finally, mark your calendars for the Final Four on April 5, held at the famous Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
March Madness Round 1 Schedule
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In Chronological Order… pic.twitter.com/jFvbVfGxvq
The grand finale, the NCAA Championship Game, will take place on April 7, also at the Alamodome. This tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments and intense competition.
Also Read: U.S. Governor Taking Action Against “Corrupt” NCAA Following Controversial March Madness Decision
