March Madness Bracket Entry 

Join us for the ‘madness’ in supporting the Metro New York Illini Club's scholarship fund by entering our official 2026 Bracket Challenge! 50% of all proceeds will directly benefit the fund and the bracket winners will be allocated the following percentages of the total funds raised. Last year’s winner took home nearly $300!

1st: 60% 
2nd: 25% 
3rd: 15% 

Bracket entries are $20 per person, per entry and participants are allowed to submit up to ten brackets. Our bracket challenge is hosted on CBS Sports, and you will need to make an account to join the league lobby with an active email account. Get your accounts ready to go and purchase your bracket today! Selection Sunday is Sunday, March 15 and official brackets will be released upon completion! Brackets must be locked by the tournament’s first game’s tipoff on Thursday, March 19!

Purchase Bracket HERE! 

Participants do not need to be Illinois alumni, and we encourage you to spread the word to family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc. More participants = more winnings and more money to support our annual scholarship! To learn about our scholarship fund, please click here.

Good luck and go ILLINI!

League entry and brackets are accessed through the purchase confirmation email. Once purchased, you will receive an email. Please scroll to the bottom of your email for the link.