As the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament heats up, Sunday promises to deliver more excitement with eight second-round games on the slate. Notably, the highest seeds in action are a pair of No. 9s-both Iowa and Utah State managed to survive their first-round matchups and are now poised to push further into the madness.
The NCAA Tournament has long been cherished for its Cinderella stories-those plucky underdogs from smaller schools, often seeded 12th, 13th, or 14th, who capture the nation’s heart with unexpected deep runs. But with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, some wonder if those fairy tales are becoming a relic of the past.
Veteran college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman has voiced concerns that the era of Cinderella teams might be fading. He pointed out that favorites went undefeated yesterday, with 13 out of 32 games decided by more than 20 points.
High Point stands as the lone true mid-major still in the mix, and it boasts one of the highest NIL budgets in its league.
The conversation doesn’t stop there. Some fans argue that the real culprit behind fewer upsets lies in the widespread adoption of analytics and efficiency-focused strategies.
In the past, a slower-paced, defensively inclined top seed could fall victim to a hot-shooting underdog or a clever defensive ploy. Now, with metrics and analytics leveling the playing field, those opportunities are dwindling.
Others point to systemic issues, such as metrics favoring Power 5 conferences, which can edge out deserving mid-majors from the tournament field. Yet, some fans believe the Cinderella spirit is still alive and well, citing recent close calls and upsets that nearly toppled giants like Duke and Kentucky.
Financial disparities also play a role. The average roster cost for teams from powerhouse conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC stands at $8.6 million, compared to just $2.3 million for those from non-Power 5 conferences. This financial gap underscores the changing landscape of March Madness.
In the end, the reality is likely a complex mix of these factors. While the tournament may be evolving, the magic of March Madness still holds the potential for surprises and unforgettable moments.