NCAA president Charlie Baker has indicated that a decision on expanding the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments will likely be made sometime this fall. This announcement comes as discussions continue about the feasibility and logistics of increasing the tournament field from the current 68 teams to potentially 72 or 76 teams.

The Challenges of Expansion

Baker, speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., highlighted the logistical hurdles that come with expanding the tournament. "The tournament has to start after the conference championships are over," Baker explained. "Right now, Selection Sunday happens just two hours after the last tournament game ends and must finish by the Tuesday before the Masters. There's not a lot of room there."

The Case for Expansion

Baker has been a vocal advocate for tournament expansion, citing the annual exclusion of strong teams that narrowly miss the cut. "There are, every year, some really good teams that don't get into the tournament for a bunch of reasons," Baker said. He pointed to 2024 St. John's and 2024 Indiana State as examples of teams that deserved at-large bids but were left out.

Recent Discussions and Next Steps

Earlier this month, the NCAA's Division I basketball committees met to discuss the possibility of expansion. While no decisions were made, the topic remains on the agenda for the Division I board's next meeting in August. NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt stated, "The topic of expanding the field for each championship was discussed at length but no decision or recommendation was made."

Looking Ahead

If the decision to expand is made this fall, it could pave the way for changes as early as the 2026 tournaments. However, the timeline remains tight, and the NCAA will need to carefully navigate the logistical challenges to ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion

As the NCAA continues to evaluate the potential for tournament expansion, college basketball fans can expect more updates in the coming months. The decision could significantly impact the landscape of March Madness, offering more teams the opportunity to compete on the national stage.