Big Change to NCAA Tournaments Put on Hold

The NCAA confirmed on August 4, 2025, that both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will remain at 68 teams for the 2026 championship season, NCAA Senior Vice President Dan Gavitt announced.

After months of speculation, the decision closes the door on expansion for next year while allowing discussions to continue for a possible shift to 72 or 76 teams in 2027.

Gavitt said that expanding the tournament fields is no longer being considered for the 2026 championships. However, the committees will maintain ongoing dialogue on whether to recommend an increase to 72 or 76 teams for tournaments beginning in 2027.

The deliberations followed pressure from multiple stakeholders, including power conference leaders and coaches who see merit in expanding opportunity and television content. However, logistical hurdles around scheduling, travel, regional site capacity, and financial implications ultimately slowed immediate expansion plans.

The 2026 tournaments will proceed under the current format: 31 automatic qualifiers plus 37 at-large bids in both men’s and women’s brackets. Selection Sunday is scheduled for March 15, 2026.

Supporters of expansion cite increased inclusion for bubble teams and broader fan engagement. Critics argue that a larger field could dilute competitive quality and complicate logistics further.

For now, fans of March Madness can find solace in consistency and tradition. The decision preserves the structure that has stood in place since the NCAA expanded to 68 teams for both the men’s and women’s tournaments in 2011 and 2022, respectively. Future growth remains possible, but not imminent.