NCAA Considers Expanding March Madness to 76 Teams Starting in 2026
The NCAA is exploring the possibility of expanding the men’s March Madness basketball tournament to 76 teams as early as the 2026 season. This potential expansion comes after discussions among NCAA officials and Big 12 coaches, including Kansas’ Bill Self, who have expressed support for increasing the tournament field from the current 68 teams. NCAA President Charlie Baker confirmed that the governing body is in talks with broadcast partners CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery to assess the logistical and financial implications of such an expansion.
The last expansion of the NCAA Tournament occurred in 2011 when the field increased from 64 to 68 teams. Since then, the format has remained unchanged. Proponents of the expansion argue that increasing the number of teams would allow more deserving programs to participate, especially those that narrowly miss out under the current system. Baker emphasized that the goal is to ensure that more deserving teams have an opportunity to compete in the tournament.
However, expanding the tournament presents several challenges. Logistical concerns, such as additional travel, scheduling conflicts, and the potential dilution of the tournament’s prestige, are being carefully considered. Discussions with CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery are ongoing to evaluate the feasibility of accommodating an expanded field within the existing broadcast schedule.
The NCAA aims to make a final decision on the expansion within the next few months. If approved, the 2026 NCAA Tournament would feature 76 teams, marking a significant change in the tournament’s history. The expansion would also likely apply to the women’s tournament, aligning both tournaments’ formats.
For a more in-depth analysis of the potential expansion of the NCAA Tournament, you can watch the following video: