March Mania 26 Builds Leaders Who Win On and Off the Court

March Mania 26 introduces a bold new experience that goes beyond the scoreboard. This year, Detroit youth will compete on the court while stepping into the role of decision makers through the Rookie Contract Financial Literacy Challenge, gaining hands on insight into how to turn opportunity into long term financial strength.

As The Austin Foundation’s signature community basketball tournament, March Mania brings high level competition together with immersive learning designed to strengthen leadership, confidence, and real world skills.

Introducing the Rookie Contract Financial Literacy Challenge

What happens when a young athlete receives their first major contract?

At March Mania 26, participants will find out.

As part of this year’s tournament experience, players will take part in the Rookie Contract Financial Literacy Challenge, a hands on simulation where they receive a mock rookie contract and navigate real world financial decisions. Participants will work through taxes and deductions, make strategic choices about saving, investing, and spending, plan for long term wealth building, and explore how to reinvest in their families and communities.

This interactive challenge transforms financial literacy into applied strategy and helps youth understand how to turn opportunity into long term stability and generational impact.

Built on Proven Impact

March Mania continues to grow as one of Detroit’s most energizing youth engagement platforms.

Across recent tournaments, 38 teams and 118 youth athletes have participated, and 100 percent of players said they want more community tournaments in Detroit. Three out of four players felt strongly supported by their community, and two out of three said they learned something beyond basketball, including leadership, discipline, and teamwork.

Through The Austin Foundation’s education programs, youth participants have also reported increased confidence in life skills and financial literacy, reinforcing the power of combining learning with lived experiences.

March Mania 26 expands that model by integrating financial capability into a high energy sports environment where lessons stick.

More Than a Game

March Mania is about more than competition. It is about building confident decision makers, strengthening community connection, encouraging leadership development, creating safe and high energy spaces for youth expression, and equipping young people with tools for personal, financial, and professional success.

The Rookie Contract Challenge ensures every participant walks away not only with tournament memories, but with a deeper understanding of how to manage opportunity and build a future with intention.

Be Part of March Mania 26

We invite teams to register, community members to attend and support, and sponsors and partners to help expand this impact across Southeast Michigan.

Together, we are preparing a generation to lead with confidence, strategy, and purpose.

Register today or learn more at https://www.theaustinfoundation.org/march-mania