In Kansas City, the possibility of expanding the men’s NCAA Tournament from its current format is gaining support, with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark advocating for a change to 76 teams. As discussions continue, he anticipates a decision could be made in the near future, potentially allowing the expanded tournament to be implemented as early as next year.
Yormark expressed his viewpoint ahead of the Big 12 Tournament kickoff. “I’m in favor of expansion to 76. I think that’s the right number,” he explained. He acknowledged that economic considerations are vital, emphasizing the existing significant value that CBS and TNT hold through the tournament. For the expansion to become a reality, these networks would need to engage in discussions to ensure favorable economic conditions.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the men’s tournament’s expansion to 64 teams, a change that first occurred in 1985. Since then, the tournament has grown to include 68 teams. Similarly, the women’s bracket expanded to include 64 teams in 1994, with four additional teams added last year.
There was a proposal from the NCAA last year to possibly increase the tournament fields for both men and women by four or eight teams, while also considering the option to maintain the current 68-team format. Under this plan, the traditional 64-team structure would remain, and any additional teams would participate in play-in games involving seeds 10 through 12.
Dan Gavitt, NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball, remarked in a recent interview that while a vote on the tournament’s expansion is not imminent, it could potentially happen in the spring. He highlighted various operational and travel-related considerations that accompany any expansion decision, noting that such changes are not to be taken lightly.
Gavitt acknowledged the complexity and cost involved in any expansion, a topic he finds often underreported. He shared that although uncertain about whether the field should expand, he is now more open to the idea compared to previous years. Addressing the current dynamics in college athletics, such as name, image, likeness policies, conference changes, and the transfer portal, Gavitt emphasized men’s basketball’s capacity to adapt to potential expansion.
“Men’s college basketball has incredible depth and parity right now,” he stated. “There’s outstanding basketball played across all levels, and it’s crucial for the tournament to remain relevant and contemporary in light of changes within college sports.”
Yormark, echoing these sentiments, expressed confidence in the demand for including more teams and games in the tournament. “I believe there will be decisions made within 90 days, maybe 60,” said Yormark. “We certainly don’t want to dilute the value of the tournament since it’s such a great asset. We’ll observe how the situation unfolds.”
