The NCAA is finalizing plans to expand both its men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams, a significant shift from the long-standing 64-team format. This expansion, reportedly in its final stages and expected to be implemented starting next year, will dramatically alter the initial phase of the tournament.
The traditional "First Four" play-in games, which involved eight teams vying for four spots, will be replaced by a more extensive preliminary round. Under the new structure, 24 teams will participate in 12 games, with these contests determining entry into the main 64-team bracket. This means the Tuesday and Wednesday of the tournament's opening week will feature considerably more action, as these 24 teams play for the right to advance alongside the automatically qualified higher seeds.
Sources indicate that the NCAA has been in discussions regarding this expansion for approximately four years. While the organization has issued statements suggesting no final decisions have been made and that committee approvals are necessary, multiple reports suggest the move to 76 teams is effectively a formality, with final clearances anticipated soon. The change is not projected to yield substantial new revenue, primarily because the additional games occur early in the tournament.
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The revised format will see 52 teams securing automatic bids through conference tournament victories or at-large selections. The expanded preliminary round will accommodate eight additional teams, with these 24 squads battling for the remaining spots in the main draw. This represents a considerable increase from the previous structure, where eight teams contended for four initial berths.
The NCAA has been actively engaging with media partners for the men's tournament, a step that suggests a firming up of broadcasting and logistical plans. The expansion requires endorsements from various committees, including the men's and women's basketball committees, oversight committees, the Division I cabinet, and the board of governors. Despite the internal procedural steps, the momentum towards a 76-team bracket appears undeniable.
