NCAA Tournaments Remain 68 Teams for 2026 Season

The NCAA has announced that the men's and women's basketball tournaments will remain at 68 teams for the 2026 season, shelving immediate expansion plans despite ongoing debate. While some coaches and conference commissioners back expansion to 72 or 76 teams, fan opposition remains strong due to concerns about tournament quality. NCAA President Charlie Baker and senior vice president Dan Gavitt confirmed that any changes will be reconsidered for 2027 or later, citing logistical and scheduling challenges. The current format, with 'First Four' play-in games for men introduced in 2011 and for women in 2022, will continue, though the women's play-in games have faced criticism. The NCAA's lucrative TV contracts and the increasing number of Division I teams continue to drive expansion discussions. Stakeholders will keep evaluating the issue for future tournaments.