
Rumors had been swirling that a decision was coming on whether the NCAA Tournament would undergo significant changes. But after meetings held yesterday by the men’s and women’s basketball committees, the result was less than definitive. While they discussed the possibility of expanding beyond the current 68-team format, no decision was made—only that “everything is still on the table.”
It’s starting to feel like the NCAA just keeps kicking the can down the road when it comes to deciding whether to expand the NCAA Tournament. Honestly, that’s not all that surprising—expanding the beloved 68-team field is a polarizing topic. Some fans, players, and coaches are strongly against it, while others might be open to the idea.
Mid-major programs, in particular, might welcome expansion—especially as NIL and the transfer portal have reshaped the talent landscape, arguably thinning the depth of those rosters. In reality, though, it’s likely that any additional spots would go to bubble teams from the Power Four conferences. Still, the appearance of more access for mid-majors might help sell the idea.
All that said, it’s time for the tournament committee to make a decision. This lingering uncertainty is becoming a distraction. Right now, the two biggest hot-button issues in college athletics are conference realignment/super leagues and NCAA Tournament expansion. And while realignment talk isn’t going away anytime soon, the committee could settle this tournament question tomorrow if it wanted to.
Personally, I’d rather keep the tournament as is. But if expansion happens, then so be it.
What do you think? Should the NCAA Tournament expand? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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