NCAA Tournament to Maintain 68 Teams in 2026 Announcement
The NCAA Tournament will maintain its current format of 68 teams for the 2026 season, but discussions are actively underway to potentially expand the field to 72 or 76 teams starting from 2027.
NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball, Dan Gavitt, confirmed that there will be no expansion for 2026, but acknowledged ongoing conversations about expanding the field for 2027 [1][2][4]. NCAA President Charlie Baker, a pro-expansion voice, has positioned himself as a leading advocate for expansion, emphasising the value of allowing more deserving teams to participate [1].
The current 68-team format, including the "First Four" play-in games, has been in place since 2011. With more than 360 Division I teams now, there is a rationale for growing the tournament field [2]. Financial incentives, such as increased television revenue from the existing CBS and Warner Bros. broadcasting deal running through 2032, also motivate consideration of expansion [1][2].
Sources involved indicate that the long-term decision is likely to focus on either maintaining the 68-team size or expanding to 76 teams, with 72 teams still on the table but less favored at this point [3]. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is also in favor of tournament expansion [5].
However, Baker has expressed concern about logistical challenges in expanding the tournament ahead of the 2025-26 season [4]. He has also made it clear that he doesn't want expansion to come at the expense of mid-major level teams [5].
Tournament committees may recommend a structure that includes up to 76 teams in 2027. If recommended, the 2027 Final Four, scheduled to be held in Detroit, could be the first in a potential 72-to-76 team format [5].
It's important to note that expanding the tournament fields is not being contemplated for the 2026 men's and women's basketball championships. Baker stated that the tournament must start after conference championships are over, a rule he reiterated during his speech at the National Press Club in July [4].
As discussions continue, momentum is gaining towards a tournament expansion for 2027. Baker believes that an expanded tournament could diminish the opportunity for automatic qualifiers from outside the power conferences [4]. Tournament committees will continue conversations on whether to recommend expanding to 72 or 76 teams in advance of the 2027 championships [3].
[1] NCAA.org [2] ESPN.com [3] SportsBusinessDaily.com [4] USA Today [5] SEC.org
- The NCAA Tournament discussions for expansion of the field are focusing on potentially increasing the number of teams from 68 to either 72, 76 starting from 2027.
- NCAA President Charlie Baker is a proponent of tournament expansion and emphasized the value of allowing more deserving teams to participate.
- If recommended, the 2027 Final Four, scheduled to be held in Detroit, could be the first in a potential 72-to-76 team format of the NCAA Tournament.
- Tournament committees may recommend a structure that includes up to 76 teams for the 2027 NCAA Tournament, but concerns regarding logistical challenges and the impact on mid-major level teams have been expressed.
