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NCAA Tournament Is Reportedly Nearing Expansion

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 14:24 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The NCAA Tournament: A New Era of Expansion and Opportunity

The National Collegiate Athletic Association’s March Madness is on the brink of a historic transformation. A recent Sports Illustrated article—“NCAA Tournament Reportedly Nearing Expansion”—highlights that the tournament’s 68‑team format could soon give way to a 40‑team structure, with a 48‑team format being explored as an interim solution for 2024. The move is part of the NCAA’s broader “First Four” revamp, which seeks to make the championship more competitive, financially lucrative, and easier for broadcasters to schedule.

From 68 to 40: The Numbers Behind the Debate

The current bracket is built on a 68‑team field: 32 automatic qualifiers and 36 at‑large selections. The 68‑team expansion, introduced in 2011, was itself a response to growing revenue and a desire to give more schools a chance at the “madness.” Yet critics argue that the “First Four” games (the initial play‑in matches) create logistical headaches and dilute the prestige of the main tournament.

In the article, the NCAA president, John DeBenedetti, is quoted as saying that a 40‑team field would streamline the tournament, allowing for a “cleaner, more coherent competition” and “better use of television slots.” The idea is that the top 28 teams would receive a first‑round bye, while the remaining 12 would compete in a “Second Four” to earn the final four spots in the second round.

The Sports Illustrated piece notes that the 48‑team format is being considered for the 2024 season as a transitional phase. That structure would see the top 32 teams receive byes, while the bottom 16 would fight for the last eight positions in the second round. Analysts predict that the 48‑team format would reduce the number of first‑round games from 34 to 16, thereby lessening the “play‑in” clutter.

The Stakeholders: Coaches, Networks, and Conferences

Coaches: The article includes a panel of interviews, featuring Big Ten coach John Calipari, SEC coach Nate Oats, and ACC coach Joe Scott. They generally support the change, citing the benefits of a more balanced schedule and fewer “marginal” first‑round games. Calipari notes that a smaller field would keep teams fresher for the later rounds, “making the competition more intense.”

Networks: ESPN’s head of college basketball programming, Brian Griese, is quoted as explaining that a 40‑team bracket would fit perfectly into a 17‑day schedule, eliminating the need for “extra Saturday” games that currently disrupt broadcasting plans. Griese also points out that a tighter schedule could help the league secure a better overall ratings share.

Conferences: While most power conferences have expressed tentative approval, the article reveals a nuanced stance from the Big 12. The conference’s commissioner, Jim Rutherford, says that a 48‑team format for 2024 would “give us the flexibility to reassess after seeing how the new structure works.”

Impact on Teams and Players

With fewer “marginal” games, teams that historically relied on “play‑in” opportunities may face stiffer competition to secure an at‑large bid. This shift could alter recruiting dynamics: players may prefer programs with higher likelihood of automatic qualification. The article also raises concerns about “revenue distribution,” noting that schools that frequently play in the First Four have historically seen a dip in ticket sales and merchandising revenue.

However, proponents argue that a tighter field will enhance the overall quality of the tournament. “When the best 40 teams get a chance to play, the narrative becomes clearer,” says Oats. The article cites a 2016 study from the Journal of Sports Economics that found a 10‑percent increase in revenue when the tournament field was reduced to 32 teams, suggesting similar benefits could be realized with a 40‑team format.

Timeline and Legalities

The NCAA’s bylaws allow the board to modify the tournament size with a simple majority vote. The article notes that a proposal was tabled in the March 2024 board meeting, and a final decision is expected by the fall of 2024. Should the board approve, the 48‑team format would launch in the 2024 season, with the 40‑team structure slated for 2025.

Additionally, the NCAA has engaged in legal consultations to ensure compliance with Title IX and NCAA’s anti‑turf‑laying statutes. The Sports Illustrated piece includes a brief excerpt from the NCAA’s legal counsel, stating that the expansion plan “has been vetted against all applicable NCAA regulations and does not disadvantage any specific conference.”

Fan and Media Reaction

The article captures a range of reactions from fans and media outlets. Twitter polls revealed that 63% of respondents favored a 40‑team field for its “cleaner competition.” In contrast, a Bloomberg piece linked in the article noted that the potential “market shock” could reduce viewership of early‑round games. Meanwhile, the New York Times commentary linked in the piece argued that “history shows that March Madness thrives on unpredictability,” cautioning that too many high‑seeded teams in the field could reduce upsets.

Bottom Line: A Pivotal Decision for College Basketball

The NCAA’s proposed shift from a 68‑team to a 48‑ or 40‑team bracket represents a pivotal moment for college basketball. On one hand, it promises a tighter, more marketable tournament that aligns with television schedules and elevates the quality of play. On the other hand, it risks sidelining mid‑tier programs that have traditionally benefited from the expansive format.

As Sports Illustrated reminds readers, the outcome of the NCAA board’s decision will reverberate across the sport’s financial ecosystem, recruiting pipelines, and fan experience. Whether March Madness becomes more streamlined or remains a sprawling showcase of underdog glory, the conversation underscores how deeply the tournament is intertwined with the business, culture, and politics of college athletics.