NCAA Basketball Tournament Will Stay at 68 Teams for 2025-26, Future Expansion Discussions Continue

The NCAA has decided not to expand the men's and women's basketball tournaments for the 2025-2026 season, maintaining the current field of 68 teams. However, discussions about future expansions are ongoing. NCAA officials and committees are exploring the possibility of increasing the tournament size to 72 or 76 teams in subsequent years, with plans to review these options ahead of the 2027 championships. Despite support from NCAA leadership for broader participation, logistical challenges—such as scheduling constraints and tournament timing—have hindered immediate expansion. NCAA President Charlie Baker highlighted these issues, noting the tight timeframe and complex coordination required to implement changes. Baker has expressed a desire to include more deserving teams, emphasizing the limitations imposed by automatic qualifiers and the limited at-large slots. He advocates for increasing access to ensure more competitive teams have the opportunity to compete. While no immediate changes are planned, the NCAA remains committed to evaluating potential tournament expansions, aiming to enhance inclusivity while managing logistical feasibility. For now, the 68-team format will conti...