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Bigger is Better? NCAA Basketball Tournament Set for Major Expansion
11 May
Summary
- NCAA basketball tournaments to expand to 76 teams starting in 2027.
- Tournament field size has lagged behind program growth since 1985.
- Expansion aims to include more deserving teams and encourage tougher schedules.
The NCAA is planning a significant expansion of its men's and women's basketball tournaments, increasing the field size to 76 teams. This change is slated to take effect with the 2027 tournaments.
Historically, the tournament field has grown slowly. It expanded from 64 teams in 1985 to 68 teams recently. However, the number of Division I programs has increased substantially over the same period, from 282 to 361, with more on the way.
The expansion is viewed by proponents as a necessary adjustment to accommodate more eligible teams. It is also expected to offer a second chance to teams that narrowly miss the cut on Selection Sunday and could incentivize schools to schedule tougher non-conference opponents.
While some express concerns about the quality of play with a larger field, proponents argue that historical upsets, like UMBC beating Virginia and Fairleigh Dickinson stunning Purdue, demonstrate that smaller seeds can compete. The NCAA's increased expenses are also cited as a reason for needing more revenue, which expansion could help generate.
