NCAA Delays Decision on Basketball Tournament Expansion

NCAA vice president confirms no changes until after 2026 March Madness

Feb. 26, 2026 at 8:15pm

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NCAA president Charlie Baker wants to expand the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments from 68 teams to 72 or 76 teams, but NCAA vice president Dan Gavitt confirmed that any decision on expansion will be delayed until after this year's tournaments conclude in early April. Expansion could still happen in time for the 2027 tournaments, but it's not guaranteed at this stage.

Why it matters

Expanding the NCAA basketball tournaments has been a controversial topic, with concerns that it would primarily benefit mediocre power conference programs over mid-major teams. The delay in a decision means the current 68-team format will remain in place for at least one more year.

The details

NCAA president Charlie Baker has expressed interest in expanding the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments from 68 teams to 72 or 76 teams. However, NCAA vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt confirmed that any decision on expansion has been put on hold until after this year's tournaments conclude in early April. Expansion could still potentially happen in time for the 2027 tournaments, but it's not guaranteed at this stage.

  • The women's tournament will end on Sunday, April 5 with the national championship game.
  • The men's tournament will wrap up on Monday, April 6.

The players

Charlie Baker

The president of the NCAA who has expressed interest in expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments.

Dan Gavitt

The NCAA vice president of basketball who confirmed that any decision on tournament expansion will be delayed until after this year's tournaments conclude.

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What they’re saying

“We're still talking about it.”

— Charlie Baker, NCAA President

“Everyone thought the world was going to come to an end. And it didn't.”

— Charlie Baker, NCAA President

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This decision to delay any expansion of the NCAA basketball tournaments means the current 68-team format will remain in place for at least one more year, despite some calls for growth. The debate over tournament expansion, and whether it would primarily benefit power conference programs, will continue until a final decision is made.