NCAA Considers Expanding March Madness to 72 or 76 Teams by 2026

President Charlie Baker cites growing support from media, TV executives, and conference commissioners for a modest expansion of the tournament field.

NCAA President Charlie Baker announced a decision on tournament expansion will be made by early April, with implementation targeted for 2026.
Discussions center on increasing the field from 68 teams to either 72 or 76, with Baker emphasizing the limit will not exceed 76 due to scheduling constraints.
Supporters argue expansion would provide more opportunities for mid-major teams and student-athletes, while critics, including high-profile coaches, warn against diluting the tournament's exclusivity.
Automatic bids for smaller conference champions have been a point of contention, as recent upsets by teams like Oakland and Yale highlight their value in the current format.
Some conference leaders, including SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, advocate for more at-large bids for major conferences, reflecting growing pressure from league expansions.