NCAA Tournaments to Expand to 76 Teams

New format expected to be finalized after this year's Final Four

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball game, with the players and court deconstructed into abstract shapes and angles, the ball as the central focal point.The proposed expansion of the NCAA Tournaments reflects the growing demand for more teams and games, breaking down the traditional tournament structure into a more dynamic, multi-faceted event.Today in Dayton

The NCAA's leadership and basketball committees are expected to finalize expansion of the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments to 76 teams shortly after the conclusion of this year's tournament. The new format would see 52 teams earn berths directly into the first round, while the remaining 24 teams would play in 12 opening-round games.

Why it matters

This would mark the first expansion of the NCAA Tournament since 2011, when the field moved from 65 to 68 teams with the addition of the First Four games. The Big 12 and ACC have been leading the push for tournament expansion, which NCAA president Charlie Baker has also expressed support for.

The details

Under the new 76-team format, 52 teams would earn direct berths into the first round, while the remaining 24 teams - 12 lower-seeded automatic qualifiers and 12 at-large teams - would compete in 12 opening-round games on Tuesday and Wednesday in Dayton, Ohio and an additional site. The winners would then advance to the traditional Thursday and Friday first-round games.

  • The NCAA is expected to finalize the expansion plans shortly after this year's Final Four in April 2026.

The players

Charlie Baker

The president of the NCAA, who has expressed support for tournament expansion.

Big 12 Conference

One of the leading voices behind the push for NCAA Tournament expansion.

Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)

One of the leading voices behind the push for NCAA Tournament expansion.

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What’s next

The NCAA is expected to finalize the expansion plans shortly after this year's Final Four in April 2026, with the new 76-team format potentially being implemented as soon as the 2027 NCAA Tournaments.

The takeaway

The proposed expansion of the NCAA Tournaments to 76 teams represents a significant change to college basketball's marquee events, reflecting the growing demand for more teams and games. While the details are still being worked out, this move is expected to generate more excitement and interest around the tournaments.