March Madness 2025: Best Cities for College Hoops Fans & Fascinating Stats

March Madness 2025: Best Cities for College Hoops Fans & Fascinating Stats

March Madness is right around the corner, and basketball enthusiasts across the country are preparing for the thrilling tournament that captivates sports fans every spring. To add to the excitement, WalletHub has released its latest March Madness Stats & Facts infographic and a detailed report on 2025’s Best Cities for College Basketball Fans—complete with expert insights—to provide fans with key information ahead of the tournament.

Where Are the Best Cities for College Hoops Fans?

To determine the top spots for NCAA basketball enthusiasts, WalletHub analyzed over 290 cities using nine key metrics, including the number of teams per city, winning percentages, stadium capacity, and social media engagement. The results highlight some cities as prime locations for fans, while others rank lower on the list.

Top 10 Best Cities for College Basketball Fans

1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Philadelphia, PA
3. Storrs, CT
4. Durham, NC
5. Lexington, KY
6. Lawrence, KS
7. East Lansing, MI
8. Chapel Hill, NC
9. Washington, DC
10. Boston, MA

Bottom 10 Cities for College Basketball Fans

287. Hampton, VA
288. Wichita, KS
289. Sacramento, CA
290. Edinburg, TX
291. Stockton, CA
292. Austin, TX
293. Huntsville, AL
294. Pocatello, ID
295. Daytona Beach, FL
296. Dover, DE

For the full rankings and to see where each city stands, readers can check out WalletHub’s full report: WalletHub Best Cities for College Basketball Fans.

March Madness by the Numbers: Key Stats & Facts

The tournament is not only a sports spectacle but also a financial powerhouse with significant economic implications:

• $1.3 Billion+: Estimated annual revenue generated by the NCAA in 2024.
• $9.6 Million: Salary of Kansas coach Bill Self, compared to the $891K combined salary of the University of Kansas’s chancellor and the state’s governor.
• 57X: The difference between the average NBA rookie salary ($4.1M) and a Division I men’s basketball scholarship ($71.4K per year).
• $17 Billion+: Estimated corporate losses due to distracted workers during March Madness.
• $400 Million+: Projected economic impact of the 2025 tournament on San Antonio.

Expert Insights: What Makes a Great College Basketball Fan?

Tyler Springs (Sports Broadcaster, University of Memphis Athletics) emphasizes that the best fans cheer passionately, support their teams financially and emotionally, and maintain perspective—understanding that basketball is ultimately a game.

Meanwhile, Brendan Dwyer, Ph.D. (Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University) believes that true fans balance passion with pragmatism. College basketball is unpredictable—teams can go from trailing by 15 points to leading in mere minutes—so understanding the game’s volatility is crucial.

How to Enjoy College Hoops Without Breaking the Bank

With rising costs everywhere, being a dedicated fan can become expensive. Experts offer these budget-friendly tips:

• Split Costs: Sharing ticket and streaming subscription expenses with friends can help reduce financial burdens.
• Explore Alternative Games: Women’s basketball and lower-division games often provide exciting competition at a more affordable price.
• Plan Transportation Wisely: Parking at college arenas can be costly and inconvenient, making carpooling or ride-sharing a smarter choice.
• Eat Before the Game: Stadium food prices are high, but nearby college eateries often provide budget-friendly options.

Challenges Facing College Basketball

The landscape of college basketball is evolving, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

Tyler Springs notes that the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals present difficulties for smaller programs that struggle to retain top talent. Additionally, declining attendance forces schools to invest in entertainment and in-game experiences to maintain fan engagement.

Brendan Dwyer, Ph.D., highlights financial uncertainty as a growing concern. With ongoing lawsuits, NIL payments, and revenue-sharing debates, the financial gap between well-funded programs and struggling schools continues to expand. This disparity could impact the structure of the NCAA tournament, leaving its future uncertain.

March Madness continues to be one of the most exciting times of the year for basketball enthusiasts, delivering unforgettable moments, thrilling upsets, and unparalleled passion. Whether fans are cheering from a top-ranked college basketball city or supporting their teams remotely, the tournament remains a beloved tradition.

Sources:

March Madness Stats & Facts infographic

2025’s Best Cities for College Basketball Fans