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Splash: NCAAB Survivor – Buyback / Revival Rules & Deadlines

The Buyback (Revival) feature allows eliminated entrants to re-enter an NCAAB Survivor contest if the commissioner has enabled the setting. This article explains how revival works, available deadline options, and important cutoff rules.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

What Is Revival?

Revival gives eliminated entries a second chance to continue in the contest.

When enabled by the commissioner, entrants can pay a revival fee to rejoin the contest after being eliminated.

Revival is:

  • Optional (Off by default)

  • Available in both Pick by Day and Pick by Round Survivor templates

  • Limited based on commissioner settings


Revival Fee Options

Commissioners can set the revival fee as:

  • Same as the original entry fee (default)

  • 2× the entry fee

  • 3× the entry fee

All revival fees are added to the total prize pool.


How Many Times Can You Revive?

The default setting allows:

  • One revival per entry

Commissioners control the number of revivals allowed.


Revival Deadline Rules (Important)

If an entry is eliminated, they have until the start of the next slate to:

  1. Pay the revival fee

  2. Submit a valid pick

Once the next slate begins, the revival opportunity for that elimination expires.

Revival does not remain open for the entire contest — it is slate-based.


Revival Deadline Options by Template

Pick by Day Contests

Commissioners can allow revivals through any day up to Day 5.

  • If eliminated on a given day, revival must be completed before the next contest day begins.

  • Revival is not available beyond the configured cutoff day.

  • Contests that begin on Day 5 or later are not eligible for buybacks.


Pick by Round Contests

Commissioners can allow revivals through:

  • Round of 32 (default)

  • Round of 16

If eliminated during an eligible round, the entrant must revive before the next round begins.

Contests starting in later rounds are not eligible for buybacks.


When Is Revival NOT Available?

Revival will not be available if:

  • The commissioner did not enable the setting

  • The contest begins on Day 5 or a later round

  • The revival cutoff round/day has already passed

  • The next slate has already started


Key Takeaways

  • Revival must be completed before the next slate begins

  • Deadline eligibility depends on the contest template

  • Revival fees increase the prize pool

  • Revival is limited by commissioner-defined rules

If you're unsure whether revival is enabled in your contest, check the contest settings page or contact Support for confirmation.

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