In a recent discussion, officials hinted at the potential expansion of the NCAA basketball tournament beyond its current 68-team format, which has been in place since 2011. This conversation took place in a vibrant setting as NCAA President Charlie Baker joined a popular sports show to share insights on possible changes coming to March Madness.
When asked if the tournament could grow to include 96 teams, Baker quickly dismissed that idea but did not rule out the possibility of adding a few more teams. He mentioned that an increase is likely, but the field could expand by just four to eight teams, leading to a total of either 72 or 76 teams. Baker stated, “The most we’ll ever go to is somewhere in the 70s.”
The reason for this limitation is mostly due to how crowded the schedule is for teams. Adding additional games can be a major logistical challenge. “The calendar is very, very limited in how many games we can slam into that period of time,” he explained.
A key element to consider is the play-in games that already exist. Currently, four teams compete in these games before the tournament officially begins with the Round of 64. If the NCAA opts for an expanded format, it is likely that the number of play-in games would also increase.
According to previous reports, the NCAA is considering implementing these changes by the 2025-26 season, allowing both the men’s and women’s tournaments to benefit from the expansion. Observers will be closely watching how the committee navigates the current format to make room for any new developments.
Overall, while the dream of a larger tournament captures the attention of fans everywhere, the reality of scheduling and logistics means any change will be carefully considered. It’s a pivotal moment for NCAA basketball as the potential for growth looms on the horizon.
