NCAA Leadership Considers Expanding March Madness Field in Upcoming Seasons
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Published by the Associated Press on May 29, 2025, at 1:07 PM ET
ORLANDO, Fla. – Charlie Baker, President of the NCAA, has expressed optimism about the potential expansion of the NCAA basketball tournament, suggesting that increasing the field by a few teams could be beneficial. A decision on this matter is anticipated within the next few months.
During the recent spring meetings of the Big 12 Conference, Baker discussed a range of pressing issues, including the lucrative revenue-sharing agreement, the complexities introduced by the transfer portal, and the evolving landscape of athlete compensation through name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights.
Proposed Expansion and Its Rationale
Baker mentioned the possibility of enlarging the tournament from its current 68-team format to 72 or even 76 teams. He emphasized ongoing discussions with major broadcasters, including CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which owns the Turner networks broadcasting NCAA games. The goal is to reach a definitive decision soon, as expanding the tournament involves significant logistical challenges, such as travel arrangements for teams during the opening rounds.
The NCAA tournament was last expanded in 2011, increasing from 65 to 68 teams with the introduction of the First Four play-in games. These preliminary matchups feature the lowest-seeded at-large teams and conference champions competing for the remaining spots in the main bracket.
Addressing the Limitations of the Current Format
Baker acknowledged that the existing format has its shortcomings, particularly in terms of fairness and inclusivity. He pointed out that many deserving teams often miss out on the tournament despite being among the top 70 or so teams nationally. The proposed increase aims to provide more opportunities for these teams, ensuring that more high-quality programs have a chance to compete on the national stage.
For example, Baker highlighted the case of Indiana State, a team that narrowly missed the 2024 tournament but went on to reach the NIT final-a game Baker described as one of the most exciting of that spring season. Expanding the field could help such teams gain recognition and postseason opportunities.
Support from Coaches and Conference Leaders
Bill Self, head coach of Kansas, noted that many coaches within the Big 12 are in favor of expanding the tournament. The conference secured seven bids in 2025, which is half the total number of SEC teams that received invitations. Self remarked that while there is some consensus, achieving complete fairness across all conferences remains challenging, and some disparities are inevitable.
Implications for the Future of College Basketball
The potential expansion reflects a broader trend toward inclusivity and competitiveness in college basketball. By increasing the number of teams, the NCAA aims to balance the desire for a more equitable tournament with the logistical realities of hosting a larger event. As discussions continue, stakeholders are weighing the benefits of broader participation against the complexities of scheduling and travel.
Overall, the move to expand the NCAA tournament could reshape the landscape of college basketball, offering more teams a shot at glory and potentially elevating the profile of mid-major programs. As the NCAA evaluates these proposals, fans and programs alike await a decision that could redefine March Madness in the years to come.
