Big 12 Coaches Advocate for NCAA Tournament Expansion

During the Big 12 Conference's spring meetings in Orlando, Florida, on May 28, 2025, men's basketball coaches, including Kansas coach Bill Self, expressed unified support for expanding the NCAA Tournament beyond its current 68-team format.

The proposal to increase the tournament field to 72 or 76 teams as early as 2026 has been under consideration. NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt noted ongoing analyses regarding the feasibility and impact of such an expansion, including financial and logistical considerations, as well as concerns over preserving competitive integrity.

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly known as "March Madness," has undergone several expansions since its inception. The field expanded to 64 teams in 1985 and later to 68 teams in 2011 with the addition of the "First Four" play-in games. Discussions about further expansion have been ongoing, with proposals to increase the field to 72 or 76 teams. In December 2024, reports indicated growing support for such an expansion, driven by media executives, TV networks, and conference commissioners.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has been a vocal proponent of expanding the tournament to 76 teams. In March 2025, he stated, "I'm in favor of expansion to 76. I think that's the right number." Yormark emphasized the need for economic considerations, noting that broadcasters like CBS and TNT would need to "come to the table and provide the right economics" for expansion to be feasible.

Dan Gavitt has acknowledged the complexity of expansion, citing financial implications, travel demands, and the potential impact on the tournament's competitive nature. In February 2025, Gavitt mentioned that while expansion is a possibility, it is "complex, more complex than I think has been recognized and reported, because it is expensive."

Expanding the tournament would involve significant financial and logistical planning. The NCAA generates over 85% of its annual revenue from March Madness, and adding more games could increase revenue. However, considerations include the costs associated with organizing additional games, potential changes to broadcasting rights, and the impact on student-athletes' schedules.

The last major expansion of the tournament occurred in 2011, increasing the field from 65 to 68 teams. This expansion introduced the "First Four" games, allowing more teams to participate while maintaining the traditional 64-team bracket structure. Comparatively, other major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB have expanded their playoff formats in recent years, reflecting a broader trend in sports toward inclusivity and increased revenue opportunities.

Expanding the NCAA Tournament could have several social implications:

• Increased Access: More teams, particularly from smaller conferences, would have the opportunity to participate, potentially increasing national exposure and funding for these programs.

• Student-Athlete Experience: Additional games could impact student-athletes' academic schedules and physical well-being, raising concerns about balancing athletics and education.

• Fan Engagement: An expanded tournament might enhance fan engagement by including more teams and regions, but there is also a risk of diluting the excitement and exclusivity of the current format.

In conclusion, while there is significant support for expanding the NCAA Tournament among Big 12 coaches and other stakeholders, numerous factors—including financial, logistical, and competitive considerations—must be carefully evaluated to ensure that any changes enhance the tournament's value and maintain its esteemed place in college athletics.