NCAA President Reports March Madness Expansion Plans to 76 Teams by 2026

NCAA President Charlie Baker has confirmed that expansion of the March Madness tournament is being seriously considered, with potential growth from the current 68 teams to either 72 or 76 teams as soon as the 2025-26 or 2026-27 season. This expansion would represent the first major increase since 2011 when the field grew from 65 to 68 teams. Baker emphasized that discussions with media partners CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery are underway, and a decision is expected within the next few months due to the logistical complexities involved. While some coaches, including Kansas' Bill Self and the Big 12 leadership, support expansion for increased exposure, many fans have expressed significant backlash, fearing that expanding the field could dilute the quality and uniqueness of the tournament. The move is seen by some as driven by financial incentives and broadcasting rights, with concerns raised about potentially rewarding mediocrity. Any expansion would likely affect both the men's and women's tournaments, signaling a significant change in college basketball's postseason landscape.