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NCAA Considers 72 or 76 Teams for 2026 Men’s Basketball Tournament

A decision is expected by early summer after talks with broadcast partners on feasibility

Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA;  Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • NCAA President Charlie Baker confirmed discussions about adding four to eight teams with a goal of a 2026 rollout.
  • Big 12 coaches led by Bill Self and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey have endorsed exploring expansion to include more at-large and automatic qualifiers.
  • Officials are mapping out venue availability, team travel logistics and the impact on opening-round scheduling.
  • Negotiations are underway with CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery over television rights, revenue distribution and additional game coverage.
  • Opponents caution that a larger field could weaken competitive balance, while supporters argue it will ensure fewer deserving teams are left out.