March Madness costs US economy $20 billion in lost productivity

• March Madness could result in $20 billion in lost productivity for the U.S. economy. A recent survey showed the tournament could shave 2.4 hours of work per day per fan.
• The average worker loses $1,801.30 in productivity during the tournament, and 40% of fans have called in sick to watch games.
• Over 11 million workers are expected to spend significant time watching basketball during work hours, according to a survey by the Action Network.

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Full Story

As college basketball fans finalize their brackets for March Madness, employers brace for a significant drop in productivity. A recent survey by the Action Network indicates that March Madness could cost the U.S. economy $20 billion in lost productivity.

On average, working fans plan to spend 2.4 hours per day checking scores, tracking brackets or streaming games while on the clock. With seven tournament game days falling on weekdays, that equates to 16.8 hours of lost work time per employee.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, each lost hour of productivity costs the U.S. economy $107.22. Therefore, the average worker who watches March Madness loses $1,801.30 in productivity over the course of the tournament.

The survey also reveals that 40% of respondents have called in sick to watch a game. After analyzing the data, the Action Network estimates that more than 11 million workers will be dedicating significant time to watching basketball during work hours.

About the survey

The Action Network surveyed 3,000 full-time working college basketball fans. The media brand has nearly 400,000 social media followers.

Tournament Details

The 2025 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament tips off on March 18 and concludes on April 7 in San Antonio, Texas. The women’s tournament starts on March 19 and wraps up on April 6 in Tampa. Florida.