The NCAA is reportedly in the final stages of approving the proposal to expand March Madness to 76 teams. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the decision could be announced on Thursday.
Based on the plan, it would be instituted in 2027. The NCAA Tournament currently has 68 teams, including the First Four. The current format began in 2011.
The proposal for the expansion has been met by questions, to say the least. In particular, many coaches from big-time programs do not agree with it, saying it would dilute the competition.
Gonzaga coach Mark Few had choice words for it, as reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander.
“I am adamantly opposed. It’s totally unnecessary,” said Few.
“It’s the dumbing down of the regular season, which is sad. We’re out here trying to generate more interest in the regular season, and expansion doesn’t help. That’s where we’ve been struggling. Plus, the (NCAA Tournament) unit shares, what’s happening there? Don’t screw with something when you already know it’s great. The tournament is great as is.”
It seems the biggest driver of the proposal is the growing influence of the so-called Power Four—ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC—as they believe they deserve more slots in March Madness, given the revenue they bring to college basketball.
Gonzaga is part of the West Coast Conference.
The Bulldogs have never missed the NCAA Tournament since Few took the helm in 1999. He has steered them to two appearances in the national title game, losing to North Carolina in 2017 and to Baylor in 2021.
They fell to Texas in the second round this year.
The NCAA is reportedly in the final stages of approving the proposal to expand March Madness to 76 teams. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the decision could be announced on Thursday. Based on the plan, it would be instituted in 2027. The NCAA Tournament currently has 68 teams, including the First Four. The current format began in 2011.