The NCAA men's basketball tournament is once again talking about a major change, and this one is not a popular idea. In fact, they are none too pleased about it. Reports say that NCAA executives are finalizing a plan to move the field for the tournament from 68 to 78 teams starting with the 2026-27 season.
The proposal would mean a new 12-game opening round played at two neutral sites. For decades, the tournament has been known as the most thrilling in all of sports. There is a balance of exclusivity and unpredictability. Over time, the tournament has grown, reaching 64 in the 1985 season. Now, we are at 68 with the current play-in format. But, now, fans are adamant that 76 goes beyond the breaking point.
More NCAA Tournament games = more money
While on paper, more games means more television revenue, more teams heading to the dance and storylines will grow. But, in reality fans are fearful that it will water down the field and pay-off mediocre power-conference teams and not some potentially deserving mid-majors.
Administrators probably see dollar signs, and dollar signs only. But those who support and watch the tournament are voicing their frustrations. The charm of March Madness sits with the intensity and rarity, and they fear it will be lost. They are also voicing their opinions on it.
Of course, starting with the biggest fan in the game:
To Whom It May Concern,
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 29, 2025
DO NOT expand or change the NCAA Tournament under ANY circumstances.
DO NOT "look at" expanding or changing the NCAA Tournament under ANY circumstances.
Sincerely,
America
It's not just Rothstein though:
NCAA tournament expansion is the same level of idiocy as MLB expansion https://t.co/rgBitbguc4
— Jack (@jack1020_) October 2, 2025
Saying what he feels:
That screeching, thrashing thing over in the corner? That’s the golden egg-laying goose struggling for life in the grasp of idiots intent on breaking that which they did not build.
— Slim (@BamaBagwell) October 2, 2025
This fan is saying what we all feel:
Screwin’ around with the most beloved event in sports for a couple mil.
— Buddy 🏀😼 (@BigBlueBud) October 2, 2025
More truth telling going on here:
The play-in games already cheapened the thing. The money grab here at the expense of a once-great event is predictable, but nonetheless sad.
— 🤘Lawson🤘 (@mattlawson99) October 2, 2025
What's next in NCAA Tournament expansion?
As shown, the early reaction from fans has been very negative. Social media lit up immediately with anger as soon as the new format was announced as a possibility. While the argument remains it is about money and not the integrity of the game, shows fans it's another case where the NCAA is chasing revenue.
If the plan is finalized, the 2026-27 season will see a historic shift and the first in more than a decade. It's a slippery slope for fans, as while 76 is next, who knows what the future holds after that? The thing that is clear already - the NCAA has picked a fight, and the fans are not backing down.