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The Michigan men’s basketball team claimed its first national title in more than 30 years earlier this month. One day earlier, the UCLA women’s team claimed its first NCAA Tournament crown.
Michigan and UCLA powered through the 64-team bracket to hoist their championship trophies, but the expanded bracket could make a repeat run more difficult next season. ESPN reported Tuesday, citing sources, that the NCAA is moving forward with plans to expand both tournaments to 76 teams.
The expansion has been on the table for more than a year, but the latest move could pave the way for formal approval, with an announcement possible as soon as next month. A larger field could be in place before the 2026-27 season.
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The Sweet 16/Elite Eight March Madness logo is displayed on the floor before the NCAA men’s Elite Eight basketball tournament between Texas Tech and Florida at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on March 29, 2025. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
While there are still a few hurdles left for NCAA committees before any changes become official, a source told ESPN that the remaining steps are “elements”.
Media rights agreements remain pending, and signed contracts will likely be needed before the men’s and women’s basketball committees, scouting teams and other organizations can move forward. ESPN reported that NCAA officials recently engaged in discussions with major media partners.
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While the financial structure of the expansion is still unclear, costs are expected to rise as more teams move and compete. A source told ESPN that the program could still generate profits and a “negative financial result.”
A game ball with the March Madness logo is displayed during the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, La., on March 22, 2025. (Beau Brune Photos/NCAA)
The expansion talks seem to be motivated more by pushing for big power conference bids than financial considerations. Many leagues have added a large number of schools under the current agreement.
“Expanding basketball tournaments will require approval from multiple NCAA committees, including the men’s and women’s basketball committees, and no final recommendations or decisions have been made at this time,” an NCAA spokesperson told OutKick’s Trey Wallace.
Currently, the First Four has eight teams in four games. Under the expansion, that would grow to 12 games involving 24 teams, with the men’s tournament adding eight bids to the table.
An NCAA basketball goes over the net during the SEC women’s college basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC, on March 8, 2025. (John Byrum/Icon Sportswire)
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In total, the proposal would mean that the First Four would see 24 of the 76 teams competing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The eight teams that were in the national bracket will now face eight new teams in total. The main 64-team bracket will still be out on Thursday with a slight change.
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