BYU advances in NCAA tournament, boosting Big 12 revenue

Brigham Young University (BYU) has made a significant achievement by advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Cougars defeated VCU 80-71 on Thursday. This victory is particularly meaningful as it marks BYU’s first win in the first round since 2011. The Cougars will face a tough opponent in the next round, No. 3 Wisconsin. Despite being slight underdogs, BYU has shown promise through their recent performances. The Badgers are known for their strong play and have several experienced players, including guard John Tonje, a second-team AP All-American. In their previous game, BYU managed to secure a solid lead in the second half, showcasing the talents of key players. Freshman Egor Demin stood out with 15 points. The Cougars' big men also contributed significantly, combining for 22 points and 18 rebounds. Regardless of the outcome of their upcoming game, BYU has positively impacted the finances of the Big 12 conference. Each tournament win adds to NCAA revenue, which is distributed over six years. BYU has already secured at least $4.2 million for the Big 12, benefiting all member schools. As a partial-share member of the Big 12, BYU’s success means more money for them in the future. They will transition to full membership by 2026, allowing them to share equally in the revenue with other long-standing members. No matter what happens next, BYU is set to gain financially from their tournament performance.