Expanding NCAA Tournament Won't Improve It, Experts Say

Proposed expansion plans raise concerns about diluting the event's prestige and competitiveness.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the complex debate over expanding the NCAA Tournament.Proposed expansion of the NCAA Tournament raises concerns about diluting the event's prestige and competitiveness.Indianapolis Today

The NCAA is considering expanding its annual men's basketball tournament, but many experts argue that doing so would not actually improve the event. Critics say the proposed expansion plans are driven more by greed and a desire for increased revenue than by a genuine effort to enhance the tournament's quality and excitement for fans.

Why it matters

The NCAA Tournament is one of the most popular and prestigious sporting events in the United States, generating massive viewership and revenue. Any changes to the format could have significant impacts on the tournament's legacy, competitiveness, and the overall fan experience.

The details

The NCAA is reportedly considering expanding the tournament field from 68 to as many as 96 teams. Proponents argue this would give more teams a chance to compete, but critics say it would dilute the tournament's prestige and competitiveness by including more lower-ranked teams. There are also concerns that expanding the field would lead to more lopsided matchups and reduce the number of dramatic upsets that make the tournament so exciting for fans.

  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament is scheduled to take place in April 2026.

The players

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the governing body for college sports in the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The greed is astounding. Not from the athletes, who the power brokers and even the president of the United States would have you believe are bringing about the downfall of college sports, but from the very people who are supposed to be protecting the integrity of the game.”

— Nancy Armour, USA TODAY Columnist

The takeaway

While expanding the NCAA Tournament may generate more revenue, many experts argue it would come at the cost of the event's prestige and competitiveness, potentially diminishing the excitement and drama that makes the tournament so beloved by sports fans.