Indiana Basketball Spent $32 Million But Missed NCAA Tournament

The Hoosiers spent nearly $9 million more than any other program but failed to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Indiana University's men's basketball program spent a record $32 million in the 2025 fiscal year, the most of any college basketball program in the country. However, the Hoosiers failed to make the NCAA Tournament, losing in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. This marks the third time in the last four seasons that Indiana has missed the Big Dance despite their massive investment in the program.

Why it matters

Indiana is one of college basketball's blue bloods, with five national championships and 22 Big Ten titles. The Hoosiers' inability to translate their massive spending into tournament success raises questions about the program's direction and the sustainability of their high-cost model compared to more efficient programs.

The details

According to data from Extra Points MB, Indiana spent $32,041,364 on men's basketball in the 2025 fiscal year, nearly $9 million more than the next highest spender, Tennessee. Despite this financial advantage, the Hoosiers finished the season 18-14 overall and 9-11 in Big Ten play, failing to earn an NCAA Tournament bid after losing in the conference tournament. This marks the third time in four seasons that Indiana has missed the Big Dance.

  • Indiana spent a record $32 million on men's basketball in the 2025 fiscal year.
  • The Hoosiers finished the 2025-26 season with an 18-14 overall record and 9-11 in Big Ten play.
  • Indiana lost 74-61 to Northwestern in the second round of the 2026 Big Ten Tournament, ending their season without an NCAA Tournament berth.

The players

Darian DeVries

Indiana's head basketball coach in his first season with the program.

Mark Cuban

An Indiana University graduate who has provided large donations to the school's football program in recent years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Per Matt Brown of Extra Points MB, IU led the nation in fiscal year expenses for men's college basketball in 2025, spending $32,041,364. The Hoosiers spent nearly $9 million more than the next program, Tennessee, which spent $23,183,445.”

— Matt Brown, Extra Points MB

What’s next

The Hoosiers will look to rebound next season and return to the NCAA Tournament, but questions remain about the sustainability of their high-cost model compared to more efficient programs.

The takeaway

Indiana's massive investment in its men's basketball program failed to translate into tournament success, raising concerns about the program's direction and the viability of their high-spending approach compared to more efficient programs that have found ways to win with less resources.