Chainsmokers Final Four concert prompts fan backlash
The Chainsmokers performed between semifinal games at the 2026 NCAA men's Final Four on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the first such concert in tournament history. The electronic music duo took the stage after UConn defeated Illinois, delaying the Michigan-Arizona tipoff from its scheduled 8:49 p.m. ET start until around 9:20 p.m. Sports personalities including Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy and ESPN's Scott Van Pelt voiced frustration on social media.
Portnoy, a Michigan supporter, tweeted that the concert "is playing off like somebody lost a bet" and ranked it among the least sensible decisions despite his liking for the duo. Van Pelt asked, "Who asked for this?" and later clarified he held no issue with the Chainsmokers, calling the timing "an odd spot."
Michigan defeated Arizona 91-73, with Aday Mara scoring 26 points on 11-of-16 shooting to go with nine rebounds and three assists. Trey McKenney added 16 points off the bench, including four three-pointers, while Yaxel Lendeborg managed 11 points in 14 minutes despite a sprained MCL and ankle injury. Lendeborg affirmed he would play in the championship game.
Michigan advances to the national title game Monday night against UConn, marking the Wolverines' return to the final since their 2018 loss to Villanova.
