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March Madness: Experts comment on picking underdogs, prop bets and economic benefits

Mar 18, 2025

1 min

Jackie SilvermanTim DeSchriverMatthew RobinsonMatthew McGranaghan
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Why do people pick underdogs when filling out their brackets for the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments? How do people consume March Madness? How does the tournament benefit host cities and teams economically? University of Delaware experts have the answers.


The following UD faculty members can provide their expertise for journalists working on stories about the tournaments.


• Jackie Silverman, assistant professor of marketing: Why people might have chosen underdogs still hanging around in their brackets,


• John Allgood, instructor of sport management: How people consume March Madness (streaming vs. cable TV) and how major collegiate sports events can help brand individual schools. Contact UD media relations to reach him.


• Tim DeSchriver, associate professor of sport management: Sports gambling (including prop bets) and advertising targets.


• Matthew Robinson, professor of sport management: Economic benefits of the host city.


• Matt McGranaghan, assistant professor of marketing: Consumer attention span during commercial breaks.


To reach these experts directly and set up interviews, visit the expert profiles below and click on the contact button.

Connect with:
Jackie Silverman

Jackie Silverman

Assistant Professor, Marketing

Prof. Silverman's research examines several facets of judgment and decision making and consumer psychology.

Prosocial ActionsConsumer PsychologyMarketingDecision MakingJudgement
Tim DeSchriver

Tim DeSchriver

Associate Professor of Sport Management; Area Head - Sport Management

Prof. DeSchriver’s research is in sport finance, economics and marketing; specifically professional sport and collegiate athletics.

Sport ManagementSports FinanceProfessional SportCollegiate Athletics
Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson

Professor, Sport Management

Prof. Robinson is an expert on international sport development.

CoachingSports as a Diplomatic ToolInternational Sports GovernanceU.S. Sports ModelOlympics
Matthew McGranaghan

Matthew McGranaghan

Assistant Professor, Marketing

Prof. McGranaghan studies the economics of consumer attention and the indirect effects of marketing interventions.

Business AdministrationNeuroscienceApplied EconomicsManagementMarketing

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