2026 March Madness top spenders for college basketball transfer portal
Many 2026 March Madness teams spent big on their college basketball rosters, but some programs are preparing to pay even more for next season. The transfer portal has become a show-stopping seasonal occurrence across multiple college sports. However, as the NCAA Tournament wraps up soon many teams are looking to bolster their rosters for next season.
MORE: Michigan State legend Tom Izzo reveals shocking NBA offer he declined On3 reporter Pete Nako s detailed some of the highest-spending programs and what they could be looking to offer players for the 2026-27 season. NEW: The college basketball transfer portal opens Tuesday, with multiple teams gearing up to spend $10M+, per @PeteNakos 💰 Who's entering the elite spending tier? View: https://t.
co/DUmrkqEyOt pic. twitter. com/zsCdPc57Ko — On3 (@On3) April 2, 2026 According to Nakos, his sources indicate that all four teams left in March Madness have rosters constructed for over $8 million.
However, other top programs like Arkansas and Kentucky could be willing to spend even more next year. Below are some of the schools that are preparing to shell out big bucks to improve their college basketball squads. Top-spending 2026 March Madness teams ahead of transfer portal Kentucky – $22 million.
The Wildcats reportedly had the most expensive squad in 2026 despite not making a run deep into March Madness. North Carolina – $14 million. The Tar Heels have many decisions to make, including at head coach, after losing in the Round of 64.