NCAA Basketball Tournaments Stay at 68 Teams for 2026

The NCAA has confirmed that the men's and women's Division I basketball tournaments will remain at 68 teams for the 2025-26 season, postponing any immediate expansion. Discussions about increasing the tournament field to 72 or 76 teams have been paused, with strong opposition from fans and public opinion outweighing support from some conference commissioners and coaches. NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt emphasized that expansion remains off the table for 2026, but the topic will continue to be evaluated for 2027 and beyond. NCAA president Charlie Baker cited logistical and financial challenges, including a tight calendar and increased costs, as key reasons for the delay. The most recent tournament expansion occurred in 2011, raising the field to its current size. Ongoing dialogue among stakeholders will shape any future decisions on tournament growth.