NCAA Tournament officially expands to 76 teams

May 8, 2026 - 02:17

The Division I Board of Governors voted Thursday to officially expand the men's and women's NCAA tournaments to 76 teams, adding eight more slots to the current 68-team field. The decision marks the first major expansion of the tournaments since 2011, when the field grew from 65 to 68 teams.

Under the new format, the First Four will be replaced by a broader opening round. The four extra teams on each side will likely be the last four at-large selections and the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers. These eight teams will play four games to determine who advances to the round of 64. The change means more mid-major champions and bubble teams will get a shot at the bracket.

The vote came after years of lobbying from conference commissioners who argued that the expanded field would generate more revenue and provide more opportunities for student-athletes. Critics, however, say the move dilutes the regular season and reduces the value of conference tournament championships. The NCAA projects the expansion will bring in an additional $100 million annually through television and marketing deals.

The new format is expected to take effect for the 2026 tournaments. The NCAA will now work with broadcast partners and host cities to adjust scheduling and venue logistics.