Associated Press columnist Eddie Pells examines why Cinderella stories may be rarer in the upcoming March Madness tournament. The analysis suggests that changes in team parity, scheduling, and the transfer portal have reduced the likelihood of lower-seeded teams making deep runs in the NCAA men's basketball championship.
Pells notes that the gap between power conferences and mid-major programs has widened in recent years, making it more difficult for underdogs to sustain success over multiple games. The article highlights how the evolving landscape of college basketball, including name, image, and likeness deals and increased player movement, favors established programs with greater resources.
While upsets remain a hallmark of the tournament, the piece argues that the conditions for a true Cinderella run — a low seed advancing to the Final Four — are becoming increasingly unfavorable. Fans can still expect dramatic moments, but the classic underdog narrative may be harder to find this season.
