Keeping Score

March Madness could cost employers more than $12 billion in lost productivity

by Dominick Mastrangelo - 03/17/26 2:51 PM ET

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It’s March, which means millions of Americans will be locked in on the annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament in the coming weeks.

That could mean a dip in productivity at some of the nation’s largest employers, and end up costing companies a sizable chunk of change, according to new data from employment firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas.

The new report estimates American employers will lose out on more than $12 billion during the tournament due to a slide in productivity, thanks to some 26 percent that are expected to call off work to watch games or spend 382.5 minutes, or 6.4 hours, on March Madness-related activities at work.

“As employers attempt to navigate increased uncertainty, and especially if layoffs or other deep cost-cutting measures have occurred, March Madness is a wonderful vehicle to lighten the mood and reengage potentially burnt-out workers,” said Andrew Challenger, workplace and labor expert and Chief Revenue Officer at the firm.

“March Madness offers the chance for camaraderie that can revive the workplace. Office pools, watch parties, and department bracket challenges can not only create in-office excitement for fans, but can also connect remote workers with their colleagues.”

More than 67 million adults are expected to wager on NCAA Tournament games this spring, with millions more entering bracket pools, play fantasy basketball games or engage in other types of gambling.

Many of the first round games tip just after noon EST with more than half a dozen games expected to be underway by midday on Thursday and Friday of this week.

The NCAA Tournament has grown dramatically in popularity in recent years, with last year’s tournament averaging more than 9 million viewers per game through the round of 32, the highest ratings it has experienced since the early 1990s.

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