Overview
- The NCAA, which multiple outlets reported Tuesday had begun the final steps, is working to expand both the men’s and women’s tournaments to 76 teams for 2026–27 with formal votes still pending.
- Plans call for eight new at-large bids and a larger opening round with 24 teams playing 12 games on Tuesday and Wednesday at two sites, with Dayton expected to keep its role.
- CBS Sports reporting says the First Four label would be replaced by an expanded opening round that puts all No. 16 seeds and roughly half of the No. 15 seeds into those early games.
- ESPN reports NCAA officials met with men’s tournament broadcasters last week and are finalizing media details, with sources saying the push is about greater at-large access for power leagues rather than a big revenue jump.
- Details for how the women’s bracket will be structured have not been set, and critics warn the format could push more mid-major champions into play-in games and reduce chances for early-round upsets.