• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 23, 2025

NCAA Tournament Risks Realized at ACC, Big 12

  • Just a day apart, Duke, Virginia, and Kansas men’s basketball pulled out of the ACC and Big 12 conference championship tournaments.
  • The risk of teams contracting COVID and losing March Madness eligibility may negatively impact revenue.
Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Just a day apart, Duke, Virginia, and Kansas men’s basketball pulled out of the ACC and Big 12 conference championship tournaments after team members tested positive for COVID-19.

While holding the tournaments has potential to reward conferences financially, the risk of teams contracting COVID and losing March Madness eligibility may also negatively impact revenue.

Conferences reap millions in revenue from media rights for men’s basketball championship tournaments. If ratings are high, some conferences can earn extra, Katie Davis, a CPA who works for D-I conferences, told FOS College.

However, playing in conference tournaments may cost Duke, Virginia, and Kansas their NCAA tournament berths. Each team needs at least five non-quarantined players to submit seven consecutive negative tests to be eligible. 

With fewer teams in March Madness, an entire conference’s bank account can suffer.

Conferences garner funds — called “units” — from sending as many teams as possible to the NCAA tournament. In 2021, Division I schools could receive a combined $613 million from NCAA distributions, some of that representing NCAA tournament unit earnings.

Virginia said it’s “exhausting all options” to compete in March Madness, and Kansas said it will prepare for the tournament “in a unique way.” Duke has not made a definite statement, though its fate hangs in the balance anyway as a bubble team.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Texas Tech tortillas

Texas Tech Is Attempting a Tortilla Crackdown 

Rebellious students are known to smuggle the tortillas in their underwear.
Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo Rips ‘Ridiculous’ NCAA Move Allowing Former G Leaguers

Michigan State didn’t know an eligibility change had been made, he said.

Big 12’s Yormark Defends Slow NIL Go Approvals: ‘That’s Not a Glitch’

Collectives have been starting to pay players without approvals.
Jamier Brown

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Tony Vitello

Tony Vitello’s Stunning MLB Jump Comes With $3M Tennessee Buyout

Vitello heads to San Francisco after winning a national championship in 2024.
Indiana
October 20, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Sports World—Again

After successful NBA and WNBA seasons, Indiana’s football teams are thriving.
BYU
October 20, 2025

BYU Lost Its Star QB This Summer. Now It’s One of the..

The Cougars are thriving with a true freshman at quarterback.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 19, 2025

Beyond Ohio State, It’s Another Massive Shake-Up in the CFB Top 25

Nine of the top 10 teams changed positions in Week 9.
October 19, 2025

Florida, Colorado State Firings Push CFB Buyouts Past $100M

Nine FBS head coaches have been fired since the season started.
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium.
October 17, 2025

Belichick’s UNC Saga Now Includes GM Trip to Saudi Arabia

UNC GM Michael Lombardi traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Cignetti
October 17, 2025

Curt Cignetti Lands Third Contract in Just 19 Games With Indiana

Cignetti signed a new contract five days after Indiana upset Oregon.