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March Madness has long been a time for underdogs to shine, giving us unforgettable Cinderella stories that captivate fans and create legends. From George Mason's improbable Final Four run in 2006 to Loyola Chicago's extraordinary journey in 2018, Cinderella teams have been a defining part of the NCAA Tournament. But are these beloved underdogs disappearing in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal?
For decades, lower-seeded teams have thrived on experience, team chemistry, and the element of surprise. Many of these programs couldn't compete with powerhouse schools in recruiting but relied on veteran players who had spent years developing within the same system. This often gave them an edge over top-seeded teams loaded with young NBA-bound freshmen. Cinderella teams weren't just fun stories—they were proof that great coaching, strategy, and heart could rival raw talent.
The financial landscape of college basketball has shifted dramatically. Reports indicate that some top transfers are commanding up to $3 million in NIL compensation upon entering the portal. According to On3 and other sources, roster budgets for high-major programs have jumped from $5 million last year to around $7 million this year, with some schools expected to spend even more.
With this influx of money, Cinderella teams are struggling to retain their stars. Last year's mid-major breakout players are now wearing the jerseys of Power Five schools, leaving fans wondering if we'll ever see another Loyola Chicago or Florida Gulf Coast make a deep run.
The introduction of NIL and the transfer portal has significantly reshaped college basketball, especially for mid-major programs that used to produce Cinderella runs. Here's how:
1. NIL Deals Favor Big-name Programs
Star players can now legally earn money through NIL deals, and bigger programs with stronger brands and booster support have an undeniable advantage. Instead of staying at a mid-major program and developing into a tournament star, talented players now have more incentive to transfer to schools where they can earn major endorsement deals.
2. The Transfer Portal Shifts Power to Power Conferences
The transfer portal has essentially created a free-agency system in college basketball. Players no longer have to wait a year when transferring, making it easier to leave a smaller program after a breakout season.
3. Roster Turnover Limits Team Chemistry
Cinderella teams have historically relied on senior-heavy rosters that have played together for years. With the transfer portal encouraging frequent movement, team continuity is suffering. Programs that once banked on experience now face constant roster turnover, making it harder to develop the deep cohesion that once led to shocking tournament success.
Many within college basketball have expressed concern over these rapid changes. Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has been particularly outspoken about the effects of the transfer portal on young athletes. In a candid interview, he stated:
"I don't think it's great for the game, and I think there are drawbacks. I think it's bad for the kids. … I think kids are making a lot of bad decisions because we're teaching them that the minute something goes tough, to get the hell out of dodge." (SI.com)
UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma also voiced his frustration with the transfer portal, particularly with its timing:
"I think it's a big cloud over everybody's head... I don't think it's fair to the kids that are playing, I don't think it's fair to the coaches that are coaching in the NCAA Tournament." (CTInsider.com)
These perspectives highlight a growing concern: is college basketball becoming too transactional, stripping away the unpredictability that made March Madness so special?
While NIL and the transfer portal are unlikely to go away, possible reforms could help preserve the magic of March Madness. Potential solutions include placing transfer windows to prevent midseason disruptions, limiting NIL collectives' influence on recruiting, and creating more incentives for players to stay at smaller programs.
For now, fans of the underdog can only hope that March Madness remains a place where anything is possible. But with each passing year, it seems that the road for Cinderellas is getting steeper.
