Troy University Athletics
Troy Athletics Generates More Than $1 Billion in AVE with March Madness, College World Series Runs
8/27/2026 9:20:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY, Ala. – Historic runs by both the Troy men's basketball and baseball programs in 2026 generated extraordinary brand recognition for Troy Athletics, Troy University and the Troy community, fueled by the programs' trip to March Madness, defeating Miami and Florida in the Gainesville Regional, the hosting of the Troy Super Regional and the first-ever appearance in the College World Series.
Accounting for men's basketball's Sun Belt Tournament championship and matchup with Nebraska in March Madness, plus baseball's play in the Sun Belt Tournament, victories in the Gainesville Regional and Troy Super Regional, and three games in Omaha, Troy Athletics generated $1.121 billion in Advertising Value Equivalency, according to a report from Meltwater, an online media, social, and consumer intelligence company that partnered with Troy and the Sun Belt. This figure includes all impressions across news, print, broadcast, and certain social media platforms.
"Great universities stir great emotions," Troy Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. said. "That's never truer than in intercollegiate athletics. That visibility enhances the university brand while recognizing those who participate. We are proud to have participated in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and in the Men's College World Series in baseball. We are very proud of our student-athletes, athletic leadership, and all of our fans for the extraordinary support throughout the year."
Troy Athletics achieved an overall media reach of 121.2 billion across men's basketball and baseball, and 1.4 million people watched Troy defeat Ole Miss in the College World Series, which was part of the third-most-watched College World Series on record. Additionally, while Troy drew more than 13,000 fans to Riddle-Pace Field for the Troy Super Regional, ESPN boasted the most-watched Super Regional round since 2009 and the most-watched Regional round on record.
"The historic postseason runs by our men's basketball and baseball programs created an incredible spotlight for Troy University and generated tremendous exposure for the Troy brand," Director of Athletics Kyle George said. "When you look at the Advertising Value Equivalency generated by these two teams, it demonstrates the significant impact that success on the field and on the court can have across the entire University.
"Our student-athletes, coaches and programs represented Troy on a national stage, and the visibility they generated extended far beyond the final scores," George said. "From the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament to our historic run to Omaha, these moments introduced Troy to new audiences, strengthened the pride of our alumni and fans, and created meaningful value for Troy University. We are incredibly proud of what these teams accomplished and grateful for how they elevated the Troy brand across the country."
Troy Men's Basketball – March Madness
$576 million Advertising Value Equivalency
62.2 billion Total Reach
Troy Baseball - Baseball Regional, Super Regional, College World Series
$545 million Advertising Value Equivalency
59 billion Total Reach
Total – Men's Basketball March Madness / Baseball Regional, Super Regional, College World Series
$1.121 Billion Advertising Value Equivalency
121.2 Billion Total Reach
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