The NCAA is in the final stages of a plan to expand both the men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams, with the process potentially reaching completion as early as Thursday.
The move would mark a significant structural change for two of college basketball's marquee postseason events. The current NCAA tournament format is one of the most recognizable in sports, and any expansion would alter the size of the fields for both championships.
Expansion Plan Nears Completion
The proposed increase would apply to both the men's and women's tournaments, bringing each field to 76 teams. The NCAA is pushing through the remaining steps in the process, signaling that the plan is close to being finalized.
No further details were provided on how the additional teams would be incorporated into the tournament format, including potential changes to opening-round games or the overall bracket structure.