06-21-2020, 11:42 AM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaabk/...r-BB15LJ7v
Men’s basketball is often the one sport that can help non-FBS programs generate substantial revenue, particularly through qualification for the NCAA tournament. Every time a team makes March Madness or advances a round, for instance, its conference earns a “unit” to be paid out among its members.
“Basketball is our football,” said Nevarez, who estimates that the cancellation of this year’s tournament cost her conference 60% of its would-be NCAA unit distributions, equating to millions of fewer dollars for its schools. “Distributions we receive from the NCAA for [tournament] participation, that is a big chunk of our operational budget and provides a big influx to our departments that help fund basketball and all other sports.”
But nothing is more important in mid-major conference athletics than main-campus financial support.
Men’s basketball is often the one sport that can help non-FBS programs generate substantial revenue, particularly through qualification for the NCAA tournament. Every time a team makes March Madness or advances a round, for instance, its conference earns a “unit” to be paid out among its members.
“Basketball is our football,” said Nevarez, who estimates that the cancellation of this year’s tournament cost her conference 60% of its would-be NCAA unit distributions, equating to millions of fewer dollars for its schools. “Distributions we receive from the NCAA for [tournament] participation, that is a big chunk of our operational budget and provides a big influx to our departments that help fund basketball and all other sports.”
But nothing is more important in mid-major conference athletics than main-campus financial support.