March Madness fans, take note: the 2026 men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments will not be expanding beyond the current 68-team format.
But that doesn’t mean change isn’t coming. The NCAA has confirmed that discussions around future expansion are ongoing, with possible updates as early as the 2027 tournaments.
This decision keeps the tournament structure the same for now, giving fans and schools more time to prepare if expansion does happen later.
Tournament Field to Remain at 68 in 2026
The NCAA’s Senior Vice President of Basketball, Dan Gavitt, stated clearly that expansion is off the table for 2026.
“Expanding the tournament fields is no longer being contemplated for the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball championships,” said Gavitt.
However, he added that the topic is not closed entirely. The tournament could expand to 72 or even 76 teams for 2027, depending on the outcome of ongoing committee discussions.
NCAA President Supports Future Growth
Earlier this year, NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed interest in growing the tournament to include more teams, and hinted that a decision might be made within months.
With the massive popularity of March Madness and the increasing competitiveness across college basketball, there’s a case to be made for opening up more tournament spots.
More teams would give mid-majors and bubble teams a better chance to compete, which could lead to more underdog stories—something fans have always loved about March Madness.
A Brief Look at Tournament History
Men’s Tournament Growth Timeline:
1939: 8 teams
1951: 16 teams
1975: 32 teams
1985: 64 teams
2001: Opening-round game added
2011: Expanded to 68 teams with the “First Four”
Women’s Tournament Growth Timeline:
1982: 32 teams
1994: Expanded to 64
2022: Current 68-team format introduced
This growth reflects the sport’s rising popularity and the NCAA’s continued efforts to give more student-athletes a chance to play on the national stage.
Upcoming Final Four Locations
For fans planning ahead, here’s where the Final Four will take place in the coming years:
Men’s Final Four:
2026: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
2027: Ford Field, Detroit
Women’s Final Four:
2026: PHX Arena, Phoenix
2027: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
These cities are already preparing to host college basketball’s biggest stage, whether the tournament stays the same or expands.
While no expansion will happen in 2026, there’s strong momentum building toward a larger March Madness field in the near future. The current 68-team structure will stay in place for both the men’s and women’s tournaments next season, but change could be coming by 2027.
Until then, the tradition of thrilling buzzer-beaters, Cinderella runs, and bracket-busting upsets will continue — just as fans know and love.
