Cinderella runs in college basketball can bring short-term success and long-term challenges for small schools like Davidson, Loyola Chicago, and Oral Roberts.

• Davidson moved from the Southern Conference, with $4.8 million in revenue, to the Atlantic 10 Conference, which made $26 million.
• Oral Roberts used donations post-Cinderella run to fund a $15 million athletic center and a multimillion-dollar arena renovation.

After a Cinderella run, schools may face challenges in scheduling nonconference "buy games" and retaining coaches and players.

• Cinderella runs boost admissions, donations, and name recognition for schools, leading to long-term benefits like improved facilities and increased revenue.
• Post-Cinderella, schools struggle to secure lucrative nonconference games and face financial pressures to sustain success and retain key personnel.

Former Cinderellas are adapting to new financial demands post-success, using multiteam events to showcase their teams and aiming to sustain success in higher conferences.

Cinderella runs provide a financial boost and elevate entire athletic departments, but the aftermath presents challenges in maintaining success, securing quality games, and managing increased expenses.