NCAA March Madness tournaments could expand to 76 teams in 2027
The NCAA is considering expanding both the men's and women's March Madness tournaments to 76 teams starting in 2027, pending committee approvals, with a decision expected in May. The proposed format would replace the First Four with a larger opening round of 12 games involving 24 teams. The change would increase access for power conference teams but is not expected to significantly boost revenue. No final decision has been made, though the move is widely anticipated.
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U.S. NCAA March Madness tournaments could expand to 76 teams in 2027 April 28, 2026 / 9:09 PM EDT / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google The NCAA is still deliberating expanding March Madness on both the men's and women's sides to 76 teams for next season — a much-expected development that's been in the works for years.The NCAA released a brief statement Tuesday in the wake of an ESPN report that cited unnamed sources saying a decision to add eight teams to the bracket is a mere formality that's expected in May.Sources also later confirmed the possible expansion to CBS Sports. One source told CBS Sports that there is a "very, very small chance" that the expansion plan could be reversed.
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