The NCAA men’s basketball tournament, better known as March Madness, is set to get even bigger. According to Ross Dellenger of On3, NCAA executives are finalizing plans to expand the tournament from 68 to 76 teams, beginning with the 2026–27 season.

How the New Format Would Work

• A 12-game opening round would be added.
• 24 teams (a mix of at-large bids and lower-seeded automatic qualifiers) would compete for spots in the main bracket.
• Games would take place at two sites over two days, with Dayton expected to remain one of the hosts.
• Once those games are complete, the field would shift back to the traditional 64-team bracket that fans know today.

Why Expand?

Supporters of the change argue that expansion creates:

• More opportunities for bubble teams and mid-majors to reach the tournament.
• Increased revenue potential through more games, tickets, and TV coverage.
• A chance to keep up with broader changes in college sports, from NIL to expanded football playoffs.

Concerns from Fans

Not everyone is convinced. Critics say the move could:

• Dilute the quality of the field.
• Create logistical headaches with scheduling and travel.
• Prioritize TV revenue over tradition.

What It Means for Athletes and Teams

For programs on the bubble, this could mean more chances to break through. For power conference teams, it may provide safety nets for squads that stumble late in the season. Either way, the stakes remain the same: win and advance, or lose and go home.

If approved, this would be the first NCAA Tournament expansion since 2011, when the field grew from 65 to 68 teams.

Source: Ross Dellenger, On3