March Madness reportedly set to undergo major expansion in 2026-27
The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments are set to expand from 68 to 76 teams starting in the 2026-27 season, marking the first major expansion since 1985. The change includes a new 24-team opening round to reduce the field to 64 before the traditional tournament begins. Eight additional at-large spots will be added, a move supported by power conferences seeking greater tournament access. The NCAA has begun finalizing the expansion, with formal approval expected by mid-May.
- ▪The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments will expand from 68 to 76 teams beginning in the 2026-27 season.
- ▪The expansion includes a 24-team 'opening round' to narrow the field to 64 teams before the main tournament.
- ▪Eight new at-large bids will be added, increasing access for teams from major conferences.
- ▪The opening round games will be held west of the Eastern Time Zone.
- ▪This is the first expansion of the men's tournament since 2011 and the first major one since 1985.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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