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How Much Will Arizona And Michigan Earn For 2026 March Madness? Conference Units Based On Seeding

NCAA Basketball Tournament - First Round - Salt Lake City - Practice Sessions

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 20: A general view of a 'March Madness' logo is seen during practice before the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 20, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Getty Images

What do Duke, Arizona and Michigan all have in common when it comes to March Madness? They’re all contenders to be the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

In addition to the bragging rights of being declared the top-ranked team in the country, the No. 1 overall seed has the ability to choose its preferred region and first-/second-round site.

Of course, being the No. 1 overall seed doesn’t guarantee ultimate victory in the tournament. The last three No. 1 overall seeds to win the championship were UConn in 2024, Louisville in 2013 and Kentucky in 2012. Last year’s winner, the Florida Gators, were the No. 4 national seed.

Every round a team survives through, however, does earn more than $2 million for its conference paid out in annual increments over the next six years. The NCAA hasn’t released the value for this year’s unit, but it will be at or above last year’s $347,275 value. Presumably, the higher your seeding, the better your chance at earning those units for your conference.

Prior to this year’s tournament, teams received a unit for every game played through the Final Four, with no additional units for appearing in the championship game. However, in January, NCAA members voted to add an additional three units each to the men’s and women’s basketball distribution funds. That allows the championship contenders to each earn a unit, plus an additional unit with be awarded to the national champion team.

As is the case with the College Football Playoff, some schools will take home more than others thanks to conference revenue distribution policies. For example, the Big 12 and Big Ten didn’t give teams participating in the CFP any kind of bonus, instead dividing all revenue from the playoffs equally between members.

The SEC, however, gave a bonus for each round of the CFP and do the same for the men’s basketball tournament. Each SEC team receives one payment of $100,000 for appearing in the Preliminary, First, and/or Second Round, an additional one payment of $125,000 for appearing in the Regional Semifinals and/or Regional Finals, and an additional one payment of $300,000 for appearing in the Final Four.

Last year, the SEC had a record number of teams in the tournament, with 14 of its 16 teams in the bracket. Those teams went on to play 35 games leading up to the championship, earning 35 units worth approximately $70 million for the conference, the highest total in history.

Who will win both on and off the court this season? It won’t be long before it’s time to fill out those brackets and see how it all unfolds.

Phillies Legend Rejects Philadelphia Job Offer To Join Dodgers

MLB: JUL 13 Angels at Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 13: Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Chase Utley (26) looks on during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 13, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Philadelphia Phillies have a long list of superstar players returning for next season, from Bryce Harper to Zack Wheeler, but fans of the franchise hold a special place for some of their predecessors.

As the team’s incumbent stars prepare to take at least one more shot at a World Series title, the leading members of the team’s 2008 championship roster continue to celebrate their lasting legacies.

Most recently, that meant a “Wall of Fame” announcement for former Phillies infielder Chase Utley.

“The Phillies are inducting Chase Utley, considered the greatest second baseman in the franchise’s history, into their Wall of Fame this summer — a potential precursor to a greater honor for Utley, the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” Matt Gelb reported for The Athletic. “One of the most popular players in Philadelphia history, Utley spent 13 seasons with the Phillies.”

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Philadelphia Phillies Legend Chase Utley Rejects Offer To Return To Team

Utley enjoyed six All-Star appearances and four Silver Slugger Awards in his time with the Phillies, which included the franchise’s most recent championship title as well. But after his time with the Phillies was done, Utley joined the Los Angeles Dodgers for four seasons to end his career.

And now, Utley, who is a native of Southern California, has returned to the Dodgers despite a job offer from the Phillies.

Following his playing career, Utley moved to England to serve in an ambassadorial role for Major League Baseball. Returning from Europe, he has taken a front office position with the Dodgers even though the Phillies wanted him back.

“The Utleys are back from England, back to living in the Los Angeles area, where Chase grew up and went to college,” Scott Lauber reported for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “The Phillies wanted to find a role for him. Instead, he took a job with the Dodgers: special assistant to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.”

MORE FROM FORBESFormer Blue Jays Starter Ends MLB Career In World Baseball Classic UpdateBy Peter Chawaga

Philadelphia Phillies Wall Of Fame Player Chase Utley Describes Role With Los Angeles Dodgers

The exact nature of Utley’s role with the reigning World Series champion wasn’t clear, but he did emphasize that it gives him a chance to balance work and family.

“It’s giving back to the game a little bit, trying to help them in whatever aspect is possible,” Utley said of his job with the Dodgers, per Lauber. “I get to sleep in my own bed every night, so that’s nice.”

And it seems that, ultimately, he wants to make his home in the region where he grew up rather than in the Philadelphia area where he enjoyed the best seasons of his playing career.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Card Update After SmackDown On March 13

SmackDown

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 13: Randy Orton in ring with the Undisputed WWE Championship during SmackDown at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 13, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images)

WWE via Getty Images

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A contract signing turned into one of the most violent segments of the year, and the road to the main event just got personal in a hurry.
  • A former champion walked out of SmackDown saying he quit, but the story did not end there.
  • The full WrestleMania 42 card features four world championship matches across two nights with a major open challenge still unanswered.

Thanks to Randy Orton, the Road to WrestleMania 42 just got kicked into high gear. Orton decimated Cody Rhodes at a contract signing for their WM 42 main event in one of the most savage beatdowns in recent memory on WWE programming.

In case you missed it, here's proof of the savagery.

As it is, we didn't see a ton of new matches added to Night 1 or Night 2 of WrestleMania 42, but we do have more layers. Here is a look at the confirmed card along with detailed viewing info for both nights.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Event: WrestleMania 42
  • Dates: Saturday, April 18 (Night 1) and Sunday, April 19 (Night 2)
  • Start Time: 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. PT (both nights)
  • Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
  • How to Watch: ESPN Unlimited (full event); ESPN2 (Night 1 first hour free); ESPN (Night 2 first hour free); Netflix (international markets)

What Happened With Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes on SmackDown?

The Undisputed WWE Championship contract signing went sideways fast. Orton and Rhodes shook hands, then Orton hit a low blow and went to work.

He threw Rhodes across the announce desk, busted him open, propped steel steps against the table, and drove Rhodes' head into them. He shoved Jelly Roll out of the way to continue the assault.

Officials rushed down, but the damage was done. Orton sat with the title as SmackDown went off the air. Full heel turn complete, although I really wish it had been Cody who turned.

What Did Drew McIntyre Do on SmackDown?

McIntyre opened the show by confronting SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about losing the title to Rhodes last week. When Aldis called out the hypocrisy and Jacob Fatu came out, McIntyre told everyone he quit.

He was not done, though. McIntyre returned later to attack Fatu from behind during a match against Trick Williams, hitting a Claymore Kick. The "quit" is a storyline device, and McIntyre vs. Fatu remains the expected WrestleMania 42 match per multiple reports.

What Is the Full WrestleMania 42 Confirmed Card?

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
  • World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
  • WWE Women's Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
  • Women's World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
  • Open Challenge: Brock Lesnar vs. TBA (announced by Paul Heyman; Lesnar appears on Raw March 16)
  • Expected: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu (reportedly set per PWInsider, not yet officially confirmed)

How Can You Watch WrestleMania 42?

Both nights stream live on the ESPN Unlimited app ($29.99/month). The first hour of Night 1 airs free on ESPN2, and the first hour of Night 2 airs free on ESPN. A Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle runs $35.99/month. Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo subscribers can authenticate ESPN Unlimited through existing packages. Internationally, WrestleMania 42 streams on Netflix.

X Games League Draft Results: Full Summer Team Rosters

Cosm Los Angeles hosted the first-ever X Games League draft on Thursday, March 12

Cosm Los Angeles hosted the first-ever X Games League draft on Thursday, March 12

X Games

On Thursday, the first draft in X Games history saw 40 skateboarding and BMX athletes be selected to compete in the new X Games League.

The first four X Games Clubs of X Games League’s summer season—XC Los Angeles, XC New York, XC São Paulo and XC Tokyo—each selected 10 athletes, five men and five women, to represent their clubs in the league’s inaugural season.

Events will include X Games Sacramento (June 26–28), X Games Japan (July 4–5) and the inaugural X Games Championship event in New Orleans on July 24–26, where the club with the highest total points will be awarded the league title and team championship prize purse at Caesars Superdome.

More than 180 skateboarders and BMX athletes were eligible to be drafted on Thursday by general managers Steve Rodriguez (XC New York), Sharalee “Haze” Hazen (XC Los Angeles), Harumi Suzuki (XC Tokyo) and Bob Burnquist (XC São Paulo). More than 50 attended the draft at Cosm in Los Angeles.

More than 50 athletes attended the first-ever X Games League draft at Cosm in Los Angeles

More than 50 athletes attended the first-ever X Games League draft at Cosm in Los Angeles on March 12

X Games

With the first overall pick, XC New York selected 16-year-old Australian skateboarder Chloe Covell, who has earned eight X Games medals (five golds) since her debut in 2022.

“I’m so excited,” Covell said after she was selected No. 1 overall. “I was really nervous, but I’m super grateful. I definitely didn’t think this was going to happen, but it’s amazing. It definitely shows all of the hard work I put in. I’m looking forward to having fun with my team and doing my best.”

XGL26_ChloeCovell_5622 sm

Australian skateboarder Chloe Covell was the No. 1 overall pick in the first-ever X Games League draft, to XC New York, managed by Steve Rodriguez. (Also pictured, right: X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom)

X Games

With its first pick, XC Los Angeles selected 17-time X Games medalist skateboarder and Southern California native Tom Schaar.

XC Tokyo drafted eight-time X Games gold medalist skateboarder Arisa Trew. To close out the first round, XC São Paulo fittingly selected Brazilian skater Gui Khury, who has the most medals of any teenager in X Games history, with 15.

The full rosters for each of the four X Games League summer clubs can be found below. The league will expand to winter disciplines in 2027.

If new sports are added to the summer season, a new draft will be held at that time. If new teams eventually join the league, there is a process in place for an expansion draft.

The 40 athletes who were drafted range in age from 11 to 35 and hail from eight countries. XC Tokyo is by far the most regional team, with eight of 10 athletes representing Japan. XC São Paulo is next, with five Brazilians. Interestingly, XC New York features four Californians, while XC Los Angeles has two.

XC São Paulo drafted BMX athlete Ryan Williams with the 11th pick

XC São Paulo general manager Bob Burnquist drafted BMX athlete Ryan Williams with the 11th overall pick

X Games

X Games League Summer Club Rosters

XC New York Roster

Pick No. 1: Chloe Covell, 16, Australia (skate)

Pick No. 8: Nyjah Huston, 31, USA (skate)

Pick No. 12: Hannah Roberts, 24, USA (BMX)

Pick No. 13: Logan Martin, 32, Australia (BMX)

Pick No. 19: Ginwoo Onodera, 16, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 22: Momiji Nishiya, 18, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 26: Daniel Sandoval, 31, USA (BMX)

Pick No. 31: Bryce Wettstein, 22, USA (skate)

Pick No. 33: Tate Carew, 21, USA (skate)

Pick No. 40: Heili Sirvio, 14, Finland (skate)

XC Los Angeles Roster

Pick No. 2: Tom Schaar, 26, USA (skate)

Pick No. 7: Liz Akama, 17, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 9: Felipe Mota, 19, Brazil (skate)

Pick No. 16: Perris Benegas, 30, USA (BMX)

Pick No. 20: Lilly Erickson, 16, USA (skate)

Pick No. 21: Marcus Christopher, 23, USA (BMX)

Pick No. 27: Brady Baker, 23, USA (BMX)

Pick No. 30: Cocona Hiraki, 17, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 34: Dashawn Jordan, 29, USA (skate)

Pick No. 39: Mia Kretzer, 11, Australia (skate)

XC Tokyo Roster

Pick No. 3: Arisa Trew, 15, Australia (skate)

Pick No. 6: Sora Shirai, 24, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 10: Kevin Peraza, 31, USA (BMX)

Pick No. 15: Mizuho Hasegawa, 15, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 17: Rim Nakamura, 24, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 24: Coco Yoshizawa, 16, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 28: Moto Shibata, 30, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 29: Miharu Ozawa, 16, Japan (BMX)

Pick No. 35: Toa Sasaki, 19, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 38: Yumeka Oda, 19, Japan (skate)

XC São Paulo Roster

Pick No. 4: Gui Khury, 17, Brazil (skate)

Pick No. 5: Sky Brown, 17, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 11: Ryan Williams, 31, Australia (BMX)

Pick No. 14: Ibuki Matsumoto, 14, Japan (skate)

Pick No. 18: Queen Saray, 22, Colombia (BMX)

Pick No. 23: Garrett Reynolds, 34, USA (BMX)

Pick No. 25: Giovanni Vianna, 25, Brazil (skate)

Pick No. 32: Gabriela Mazetto, 28, Brazil (skate)

Pick No. 36: Luigi Cini, 23, Brazil (skate)

Pick No. 37: Raicca Ventura, 19, Brazil (skate)


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