The NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments will expand from 68 to 76 teams starting next year, following a formal committee vote. The decision marks a significant shift in the structure of March Madness, aiming to provide broader access and improved representation across college basketball's premier events.
The expansion is designed to include more teams from a wider range of conferences, enhancing opportunities for mid-major and historically underrepresented programs. The new 76-team format will apply uniformly to both the men's and women's tournaments, reflecting the NCAA's commitment to equity in collegiate athletics.