Chainsmokers' Final Four Concert Sparks Backlash from Fans

Prominent sports figures criticized the NCAA's decision to have the electronic duo perform during halftime, delaying the Michigan-Arizona tipoff.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:18pm

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The Chainsmokers, the electronic music duo, performed in between Final Four games on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, marking the first-ever Final Four concert for the NCAA Tournament. However, some fans, including Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy and ESPN's Scott Van Pelt, were not happy with the NCAA's decision to have the performance, as it delayed the start of the Michigan-Arizona game by over 30 minutes.

Why it matters

The Final Four is one of the most anticipated events in college basketball, and fans were frustrated that the concert disrupted the flow of the games. The delay also impacted Michigan, a top team in the tournament, as they had to wait longer to take the court against Arizona.

The details

The Chainsmokers' performance came after UConn's victory over Illinois in the first Final Four matchup. The Michigan-Arizona game, which was scheduled to tip off at 8:49 p.m. ET, didn't start until around 9:20 p.m., an hour after the previous game had finished. Portnoy, a well-known Michigan fan, was glad the delay didn't hurt his team, as they went on to easily defeat Arizona 91-73. However, Van Pelt and other fans questioned the NCAA's decision to have a concert during such an important event.

  • The Chainsmokers performed in between the Final Four games on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Michigan-Arizona game, which was scheduled to tip off at 8:49 p.m. ET, didn't start until around 9:20 p.m.

The players

The Chainsmokers

An electronic music duo that performed during halftime of the Final Four games.

Dave Portnoy

The founder of Barstool Sports and a well-known Michigan fan who criticized the NCAA's decision to have the Chainsmokers perform.

Scott Van Pelt

An ESPN anchor who also expressed his frustration with the Chainsmokers' performance during the Final Four.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A senior star for Michigan who played through injuries in their victory over Arizona.

Aday Mara

The leading scorer for Michigan in their win over Arizona, with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.

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What they’re saying

“This Chainsmokers concert in between games is playing off like somebody lost a bet. I like the Chainsmokers but nothing has ever made less sense than this.”

— Dave Portnoy, Founder, Barstool Sports

“Who asked for this?”

— Scott Van Pelt, ESPN Anchor

“Absolutely not.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg

What’s next

Michigan will take on UConn in the national championship game on Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The takeaway

The Chainsmokers' performance during the Final Four halftime break disrupted the flow of the games and frustrated many fans, including prominent sports figures, who questioned the NCAA's decision to include a concert during such an important event. The delay impacted Michigan, a top team in the tournament, but they were still able to easily defeat Arizona and advance to the national championship game.