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Financial Gap Shrinks NCAA Upsets, Talent Disparity Grows

3/9/2026

44 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The NCAA tournament is witnessing fewer upsets as the financial gap grows between power-conference and mid-major programs.
This season, 29 small-conference teams defeated power-conference opponents, a 58.9% drop from the 2021-22 season.
Scheduling shifts have reduced games against non-power opponents, widening the talent gap.
Analysts say the transfer portal strengthens elite teams, but single-elimination games may keep the tournament exciting.

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Story summary

The NCAA tournament is witnessing fewer upsets as the financial gap grows between power-conference and mid-major programs.
This season, 29 small-conference teams defeated power-conference opponents, a 58.9% drop from the 2021-22 season.
Scheduling shifts have reduced games against non-power opponents, widening the talent gap.
Analysts say the transfer portal strengthens elite teams, but single-elimination games may keep the tournament exciting.