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KSHSAA announces sweeping changes to state basketball tournament

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 4:54 GMT by The Topeka Capital-Journal
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Kansas High School Basketball Tournament Gets a Major Overhaul for the 2025‑26 Season

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has unveiled a comprehensive set of changes that will reshape the state’s high‑school basketball tournaments beginning in the 2025‑26 academic year. Announced in a press release issued on July 10, 2025, the overhaul touches everything from tournament structure and scheduling to seeding methodology and venue selection, and promises to make the postseason more competitive, accessible, and exciting for players, coaches, and fans alike.

A New Tournament Architecture

Under the current system, each of the six state classifications (6A through 1A) ran a separate single‑elimination bracket that began with district games and advanced through regionals to the state finals. The KSHSAA Board of Directors decided that this format had outlived its usefulness, citing concerns about uneven travel demands, inconsistent rest periods between games, and a lack of exposure for teams that fall early.

The new architecture introduces a “region‑first” format that retains the district opening but replaces the traditional single‑elimination regional round with a double‑elimination bracket. Teams will face off in a double‑elimination setting that allows a second chance before moving on to the state quarterfinals. The state quarterfinals and semifinals will be held at a neutral site, and the championship game will remain in the same venue as last year for continuity. This structure is expected to increase the number of games played at the state level from 15 to 19, thereby offering more competition and revenue opportunities for the participating schools.

Expanded Field and Revised Seeding

KSHSAA will expand the field from 32 to 48 teams per classification, a move that will allow more schools to compete beyond the early district round and give lower‑seeded teams a legitimate path to the title. Seeding will now be based on a weighted system that incorporates a team’s overall record, strength of schedule, and results against district‑ranked opponents, rather than solely on district placement. This shift is intended to reward consistently strong programs while still giving “up‑sets” room to breathe.

Coaches and administrators have responded positively to the expanded field. “Having more teams in the state bracket means more student‑athletes get the chance to compete on a larger stage,” said a representative from the 6A‑North District. “It also helps keep players engaged and motivated throughout the season.”

Schedule Adjustments and Venue Considerations

To accommodate the new double‑elimination regional round, the KSHSAA has moved the start of the tournament to the first week of March. The schedule now features a three‑day regional block, a single day for the state quarterfinals, another day for the semifinals, and a championship day. Rest days between rounds have been increased by a full 24 hours to reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.

The neutral site for the state quarterfinals and onward will be the newly renovated arena in Wichita, a location that KSHSAA cited for its central position relative to the state’s larger population centers and its modern facilities. A partnership has been secured with the Wichita Convention Center to provide accommodations for teams, coaches, and families, ensuring that travel logistics remain manageable.

Impact on Travel and Logistics

While the new format reduces the number of games that require travel to distant regions during the early part of the tournament, the shift to double‑elimination in the regionals may increase travel for some teams. KSHSAA has introduced a “travel stipend” program, funded by the Kansas Sports Foundation, to offset costs for schools whose budgets are strained by the additional road trips. The stipend covers airfare, lodging, and per diem for players and staff.

Official Documents and Further Resources

The KSHSAA board’s decision is documented in a detailed policy brief that outlines the rationale, projected financial implications, and timelines for implementation. The brief also addresses contingency plans for weather‑related disruptions and the criteria for adjusting the schedule in the event of a pandemic or other emergency. Coaches and school administrators are encouraged to review the policy brief for a deeper understanding of the changes, particularly the new seeding methodology and the logistical support available.

Community and Fan Engagement

KSHSAA is also launching a fan‑engagement initiative to build excitement around the revamped tournament. A dedicated section on the KSHSAA website will feature live streaming options, interactive brackets, and social media highlights. Additionally, a “State‑Tournament Road Show” will travel to district sites in late February, offering coaching clinics and player showcases that highlight the talent across Kansas.

Looking Ahead

The Kansas high‑school basketball community is gearing up for a historic season. With an expanded field, a double‑elimination regional round, a revised seeding formula, and new logistical support, the 2025‑26 tournament promises to bring more competition, fairness, and excitement to the sport. The KSHSAA’s comprehensive plan reflects an ambition to preserve the tradition of Kansas basketball while adapting to the realities of modern high‑school athletics.

As the season draws nearer, schools will finalize rosters, coaches will fine‑tune strategies, and fans will begin to plan travel to witness the new format in action. Whether the changes will deliver the expected improvements remains to be seen, but the commitment to enhancing the high‑school basketball experience is clear: Kansas’s teenage athletes will have an opportunity to shine on a larger stage than ever before.