NCAA President Backs March Madness Expansion

Charlie Baker says he'd 'like to see it expand' beyond current 68-team format.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:23am

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NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed support for expanding the March Madness tournament beyond its current 68-team format, stating in a media session that he'd 'like to see it expand.' Baker's comments came ahead of the NCAA's annual mock tournament seeding exercise at its headquarters in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

Expanding the NCAA Tournament has been a topic of discussion for years, with proponents arguing it would increase access and excitement around the event. As the NCAA's top executive, Baker's public backing of expansion carries significant weight and signals the organization may be open to growing the tournament field in the future.

The details

During his media session in Indianapolis, Baker told reporters that the NCAA is 'still talking about' expanding the March Madness tournament, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello. While Baker did not provide specifics on potential expansion plans, his comments indicate he is personally in favor of growing the current 68-team field.

  • On February 19, 2026, NCAA President Charlie Baker spoke with reporters in Indianapolis.

The players

Charlie Baker

The current president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

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What they’re saying

“We're still talking about it. I'd like to see it expand.”

— Charlie Baker, NCAA President

What’s next

The NCAA is expected to continue discussions about potential tournament expansion, though no specific plans or timelines have been announced.

The takeaway

As the head of the NCAA, Charlie Baker's support for expanding the March Madness tournament carries significant weight and suggests the organization may be open to growing the event in the future to increase access and excitement around college basketball's premier postseason competition.