Veteran sports broadcaster and former basketball coach Dick Vitale recently shared his honest thoughts on the state of college basketball right now, particularly with the March Madness, and how the rise of the popularity of NIL deals plays a role in it.
In his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Dick Vitale got honest about what he thinks changed in the dynamic of the teams battling it out during March Madness.
“It’s chalk city. There’s no doubt about it,” Vitale said. “I mean, 13 of the teams there have been to the Final Four. Eight of them that have already won national titles.”
“This tournament has been chalk city” ~ @DickieV #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/IsW9lsVF2s
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 25, 2025
Vitale may be referring to the classic trend in March Madness, where teams dubbed as “Cinderella teams” would play a huge role in bringing the hype and excitement to the next level.
A “Cinderella team” in March Madness refers to a lower-seeded or lesser-known college basketball team that exceeds expectations and makes a surprisingly deep run in the NCAA Tournament. These teams are typically considered underdogs, often defeating higher-seeded powerhouse programs in dramatic and unpredictable fashion.
With these things said, He has a theory in mind for the culprit: the rise of lucrative NIL deals.
“It’s all chalk city. … You know why: the NIL, man, the schools that are paying big-time cash. It’s all about that. We’ve got chaos going on.”
The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports has revolutionized the landscape for athletes and schools alike. Introduced in 2021, NIL agreements allow college athletes to profit from their personal brands through endorsements, social media promotions, merchandise, and more.
This shift has been a game-changer, providing athletes with financial empowerment while still in school. For many, it’s a chance to monetize their fame during their peak visibility, especially for those who may not go on to professional sports.
Dick Vitale Gets Honest About Cooper Flagg
In the same podcast, Dick Vitale also touched on Duke star player Cooper Flagg. For Vitale, Duke has been extremely lucky in landing Flagg on their roster, who has proven to be a big name not only in popularity but also in skill.
“They’ve got the best player in the land, and no doubt about it,” Vitale said. “His presence makes everybody better.”
Dick Vitale had a brief but impactful coaching career, leading the University of Detroit to an NCAA
Tournament berth and later serving as head coach of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons before transitioning to his iconic role as a basketball commentator.
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