NCAA basketball tournament will not expand this season, but discussions will continue for future tourneys

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 17:00 GMT by Yahoo Sports
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The NCAA tournament will stay at 68 teams for the 2025-26 season.

NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament to Remain at 68 Teams for Upcoming Season, But Expansion Talks Persist for Future Years

In a decision that balances tradition with the evolving landscape of college athletics, the NCAA has announced that the men's basketball tournament will not expand beyond its current 68-team format for the upcoming season. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about potential growth in the field, driven by conference realignments, increasing competitive parity, and the desire to include more deserving programs in the March Madness spectacle. While fans and stakeholders hoping for a larger bracket this year may be disappointed, the door remains open for changes in subsequent tournaments, signaling that the conversation is far from over.

The announcement, made by NCAA officials, underscores a cautious approach to altering one of the most beloved events in American sports. The tournament, often dubbed "March Madness," has been a staple of college basketball since its inception in 1939, but its modern format with 68 teams was established in 2011 following an expansion from 65 teams. That change introduced the "First Four" games, which serve as play-ins for the lowest-seeded at-large teams and automatic qualifiers from smaller conferences. Proponents of expansion argue that adding more slots—potentially to 72, 76, or even 80 teams—would better reflect the depth of talent across Division I basketball, especially as power conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 have grown through realignment, absorbing strong programs from dissolving leagues such as the Pac-12.

At the heart of the decision to hold steady for this season is a commitment to thorough evaluation. Dan Gavitt, the NCAA's senior vice president of basketball, emphasized in a statement that while expansion is a topic of keen interest, any changes must be implemented thoughtfully to preserve the integrity and excitement of the event. "We've heard the calls from coaches, athletic directors, and fans for a bigger field," Gavitt noted. "But rushing into expansion without fully considering the logistical, financial, and competitive implications wouldn't serve the best interests of the sport." This sentiment echoes concerns raised during recent committee meetings, where stakeholders debated how an enlarged tournament might affect scheduling, venue availability, and the overall fan experience.

One key factor influencing the hold-off is the current media rights landscape. The NCAA's lucrative broadcasting deal with CBS and Turner Sports, which runs through 2032 and generates over $1 billion annually, is structured around the existing format. Expanding the tournament could necessitate renegotiations or amendments to this agreement, potentially complicating revenue distribution among member institutions. Moreover, with the women's tournament also under scrutiny for parity and growth—having expanded to 68 teams in 2022 to match the men's side—officials are wary of making unilateral changes that could disrupt the balance between the two events.

Despite the decision not to expand this season, discussions are set to continue, with a focus on future iterations. The NCAA's Division I Men's Basketball Committee, along with input from conference commissioners, will convene in the coming months to explore viable models. Proposals on the table include adding more at-large bids to accommodate powerhouse conferences that often see multiple teams on the bubble, while ensuring that mid-major programs retain their automatic qualifiers. For instance, a 76-team format could introduce additional First Four-style games or even a new round, extending the tournament's duration and potentially boosting viewership and attendance.

This ongoing dialogue is not new; the idea of tournament expansion has surfaced periodically over the decades. In the 1980s, the field grew from 48 to 64 teams, a move that dramatically increased the event's popularity and allowed for more Cinderella stories—underdog teams like NC State in 1983 or Villanova in 1985 that captured national imaginations. More recently, the 2011 expansion to 68 was a response to similar pressures, incorporating the First Four to address criticisms that some worthy teams were being left out. Critics of further growth, however, warn that diluting the field could diminish the tournament's magic. "Part of what makes March Madness special is its exclusivity," said one anonymous coach from a mid-major conference. "If you let in too many teams, you risk turning it into just another postseason event rather than the high-stakes drama we all love."

From a competitive standpoint, the current 68-team setup has proven resilient, producing memorable upsets and nail-biting finishes year after year. Last season's tournament, for example, featured stunning runs by teams like Florida Atlantic and San Diego State, both of which advanced to the Final Four despite not being traditional powerhouses. Expansion advocates point to these examples as evidence that more inclusion could unearth even more hidden gems, while also providing opportunities for conferences hit hard by realignment. The Big Ten, now boasting 18 members after adding USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, could benefit from extra bids, as could the SEC with its recent additions like Texas and Oklahoma.

Financially, the implications of expansion are significant. March Madness is a cash cow for the NCAA, funding scholarships, championships in other sports, and operational costs for hundreds of schools. An expanded field could mean more games, more advertising revenue, and higher ticket sales, but it also raises questions about diluting per-game value or overburdening host sites. Cities like Dayton, Ohio, which has hosted the First Four since its inception, might see increased economic boosts, but larger venues would need to be secured for additional rounds. Furthermore, player welfare is a growing concern; extending the tournament could exacerbate fatigue and injury risks, especially with the already grueling regular season and conference tournaments.

Looking ahead, the NCAA plans to gather more data from stakeholders, including surveys of fans and analyses of viewership trends. "We're committed to evolving the tournament in a way that enhances its appeal without compromising what makes it great," Gavitt added. Potential timelines suggest that any approved changes could take effect as early as the 2025-26 season, allowing time for planning and adjustments. In the meantime, the focus shifts to the upcoming campaign, where teams will vie for spots in the familiar 68-team bracket.

For fans, this decision means another year of the tried-and-true format that has delivered iconic moments—from Christian Laettner's buzzer-beater in 1992 to Kris Jenkins' game-winner for Villanova in 2016. Yet, the persistence of expansion talks hints at a future where March Madness could grow even larger, reflecting the sport's expanding footprint. As college basketball navigates challenges like name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, transfer portal dynamics, and the push for athlete compensation, the tournament's structure remains a pivotal piece of the puzzle.

In summary, while the NCAA men's basketball tournament stays put at 68 teams for now, the horizon holds promise for innovation. This balanced approach ensures that any expansion serves the greater good of the game, preserving its status as a cultural phenomenon while adapting to modern realities. As discussions progress, the basketball community will watch closely, eager to see how the madness evolves. (Word count: 1,028)

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NCAA basketball tournament will not expand this season, but discussions will continue for future tourneys

NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament to Remain at 68 Teams for Upcoming Season, But Expansion Talks Persist for Future Years