March Madness: 2 Simple Tweaks to Make the NCAA Tournament Even Better

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The author argues that two small changes - reintroducing custom court designs for host cities and standardizing the basketballs used in the NCAA Tournament - could significantly enhance the iconic event. They contend that these tweaks would preserve the tournament's identity, respect the athletes, and better balance tradition with innovation in an era of increasing globalization and standardization in sports.

Why it matters

The NCAA Tournament is a cultural phenomenon that unites fans across the country, but the author believes it can be even better by restoring elements that give the event a stronger sense of place and attention to detail. Bringing back custom courts and standardizing basketballs would not only improve the aesthetics and fairness of the tournament, but also honor its legacy and the essence that makes March Madness so special.

The details

The author argues that the current minimalist court designs feel sterile and miss an opportunity to let host cities showcase their identity. They believe custom court designs would add visual flair, create a stronger sense of occasion, and preserve the soul of the tournament. Additionally, the lack of standardized basketballs is described as 'preposterous' given the high stakes of the NCAA Tournament, as inconsistent equipment can impact player performance and the outcomes of games. The author contends that standardizing basketballs is about fairness and respect for the athletes, not just a minor inconvenience.

• The 2005 Elite Eight game between Kentucky and Michigan State in Austin, Texas featured the Longhorn logo in the center of the court.
• The author is writing this article in 2026, ahead of that year's NCAA Tournament.

What’s next

The NCAA will need to decide whether to reintroduce custom court designs and standardize basketballs for the 2026 NCAA Tournament.