NCAA Basketball: 10 most valuable programs in terms of finances

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: A detail view of a Wilson basketball on the court during the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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NCAA Basketball Cole Anthony North Carolina Tar Heels (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

6. North Carolina

Market Value: $422 Million

What helped: North Carolina has more Final Four appearances than any other school. Deep postseason runs combined with ticket revenues (filling up the 21,000-seat Dean Dome) help North Carolina’s operating revenue.

Why it’s not higher: North Carolina has a lower profit margin than the teams ranking higher on this list.

Overall: UNC is a basketball empire. Three national championships in the last 15 years, nationally televised games, sellout crowds, and alumni support (including an athletics endowment fund led by former players) make UNC a revenue-generating machine. North Carolina would be a high-quality franchise.

5. Indiana

Market Value: $454 Million

What helped: Despite a steep drop-off in winning over the last 15 years, Indiana still owns the greatest basketball tradition in its conference. Fans still flock to games, as Indiana always ranks highly in attendance (this means lots of ticket sales!).

Why it’s not higher: IU doesn’t make deep runs in March anymore. Had IU consistently made it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and maybe an occasional Final Four, the Hoosiers would’ve received more distribution payments.

Overall: The Big 10 is a media cash cow, so those TV contracts bring plenty of value to the Hoosiers. Indiana basketball’s 3-year average revenue is the 3rd-highest on this list. If it were a pro sports franchise, Indiana Hoosiers basketball would still be an attractive buying opportunity.

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