As NIL continues to reshape college basketball, one of the biggest questions surrounding the sport is simple: how much money does it actually take to compete at the highest level?
According to longtime college basketball analyst Seth Davis, the number is significant and only growing.
During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Davis offered a blunt assessment of what it takes to build a true national contender in today’s landscape.
“If you’re trying to compete at the very highest level, you need $12 million,” Davis said. “Maybe more.”
That figure underscores just how dramatically the sport has changed in a short amount of time. NIL opportunities have created a new reality where roster building is no longer just about recruiting and development; it’s mainly about financial resources and how programs allocate them.
For many programs, especially those looking to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, assembling a competitive roster now requires a combination of high-level talent, experienced transfers, and the financial backing to retain key players. The days of purely development-based roster construction at the highest level are becoming increasingly rare.
Davis’ estimate also highlights the growing gap between programs. Schools with strong NIL collectives and donor support are able to build deeper, more experienced rosters, while others are forced to be more selective or rely heavily on player development.
Of course, money alone doesn’t guarantee success. Coaching, chemistry, and player development still matter, but as Davis pointed out, if a program wants to consistently compete for national titles, having the financial resources in place is quickly becoming part of the equation.
And if his estimate is accurate, the price of competing in March Madness at the highest level has never been higher.
