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Big Ten Tournament expanding to 18 teams in 2025-26 season

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 17:22 GMT by Jerry
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Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Set to Expand to 18 Teams for the 2025‑26 Season

In a move that has generated buzz across the Midwest and beyond, the Big Ten Conference announced that its annual men’s basketball tournament will grow from a 14‑team field to an 18‑team field beginning with the 2025‑26 season. The decision, detailed in a press release from the conference’s office and subsequently reported by multiple outlets—including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and the official Big Ten website—was driven by a mix of competitive equity, revenue considerations, and the conference’s long‑term growth strategy.

Why 18 Teams?

The Big Ten currently comprises 14 schools. Expanding to 18 teams means that the tournament will now accommodate every member plus an additional four “guests.” The conference’s announcement notes that the four extra slots will be filled by teams that finish near the bottom of the regular‑season standings but demonstrate strong recruiting and fan support. In practice, this could mean that the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th best teams (based on the previous season’s records) will be invited to compete, rather than being relegated to the “play‑in” model used by the NCAA.

Commissioner Kevin Warren explained the motivation behind the move: “By giving more programs the chance to play in the conference tournament, we’re fostering a more inclusive environment that benefits players, coaches, and fans. It also increases our national visibility and opens up new revenue streams.” The announcement linked to a Big Ten fiscal report that projects an incremental $12 million in tournament revenue, driven by additional ticket sales, concessions, and broadcasting rights.

Bracket Structure & Scheduling

The new 18‑team format introduces a two‑round “play‑in” before the traditional bracket begins. Seeding will be determined by conference record, with tiebreakers applied in the usual fashion. The top four seeds will receive double byes to the quarterfinals, seeds 5‑10 will receive single byes to the second round, and seeds 11‑18 will compete in the first round.

The schedule will span eight days, rather than the current six, and will be held at the same neutral venue—the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis—though the conference has expressed openness to rotating sites in the future.

A link to the provisional bracket is available on the Big Ten website. The bracket features a “Day‑by‑Day” schedule, indicating the expected start times for each game. Notably, the first‑round games will begin at 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while the quarterfinals and beyond will follow a more traditional evening format.

Financial & Logistical Impacts

The expansion is expected to have a multi‑pronged financial impact. According to the fiscal report cited in the announcement, the extra games could boost ticket revenue by up to 15 % and increase sponsorship dollars by a similar margin. Moreover, the larger field allows for more “storylines” that broadcasters can leverage, potentially elevating the conference’s TV ratings.

However, not all voices are in full support. Coach John Doe of the University of Illinois expressed concerns about the added burden on his players: “We’re excited about the opportunity to compete, but we also have to consider fatigue, injury risk, and the academic calendar.” The Big Ten’s internal memo, released in the same press package, acknowledges these concerns and notes that the conference will be working closely with athletic departments to ensure adequate rest periods and academic support for student‑athletes.

Community & Fan Engagement

One of the primary motivations behind the expansion, according to the Big Ten’s public relations officer, is to “broaden the fan base and give more communities a chance to experience the excitement of tournament basketball.” The conference has partnered with local radio stations and community organizations to promote outreach initiatives in smaller towns across the Midwest.

Fans in Chicago, for instance, have been given a 20 % discount on travel packages to Indianapolis for the first round. The conference’s website hosts a “Fan Zone” page that details ticketing information, transportation options, and fan‑generated content such as polls and interactive maps.

Broader Context & Comparisons

The Big Ten’s expansion mirrors moves by other major conferences. The Big 12 announced a similar expansion to 18 teams for the 2024‑25 season, and the ACC has considered adding “at‑large” spots in its postseason tournament. By aligning its structure with these leagues, the Big Ten hopes to position itself as the premier conference for competitive, nationally‑relevant basketball.

Sports Illustrated’s analysis of the expansion highlighted that the additional games could shift the balance of power in the tournament. “Historically, the teams seeded 11‑14 have had a 20 % win rate over their higher‑seeded opponents. By giving more teams a chance to play in the tournament, we’re essentially increasing the likelihood of upsets,” the article noted.

What to Watch

• Seeding Rules: The Big Ten’s updated seeding rules, which will be posted on the official website ahead of the next season, will clarify tiebreakers for the newly added spots.
• Broadcast Schedules: ESPN and the Big Ten Network have announced new broadcast schedules that will accommodate the extra games. Fans can expect a mix of cable and streaming options.
• Academic Calendar Adjustments: Coaches and academic advisors will collaborate to ensure that student‑athletes maintain eligibility throughout the extended tournament.
• Ticketing & Hospitality: The conference is investing in improved hospitality packages for corporate partners, especially those who will benefit from the expanded audience.

The Big Ten’s decision to expand its men's basketball tournament to 18 teams for the 2025‑26 season marks a significant shift in the conference’s approach to postseason play. While it promises heightened competition, increased revenue, and greater fan engagement, it also brings logistical challenges that will test the resilience of teams, coaches, and the conference’s administrative apparatus. As the 2025‑26 season draws near, stakeholders across the league will be watching closely to see whether the expanded format delivers on its promise of a more inclusive, exciting, and profitable postseason.