NCAA announces March Madness to remain at 68 teams for 2026
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The NCAA is sticking with 68 teams for the NCAA Tournament in the 2025-26 college basketball season.
Expanding March Madness for 2026 had been in the headlines over the past few months, but it is no longer being considered for the next tournament. Expansion to 72 or 76 teams, however, is possible for 2027.
From NCAA's Dan Gavitt: “Expanding the tournament fields is no longer being contemplated for the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball championships. However, the committees will continue conversations on whether to recommend expanding to 72 or 76 teams in advance of the 2027…
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 4, 2025
The tournament last expanded in 2011, adopting the 68-team format with the First Four games played prior to the 32 games played on the opening Thursday and Friday. It had been a 64-team field since 1985.
Florida enters the 2025-26 season as the defending NCAA Tournament champion. The Gators defeated Houston 65-63 to secure the program’s 3rd national championship in Florida basketball history and first under Todd Golden.
UF was one of 14 SEC teams, an NCAA Tournament record, to reach the Big Dance. Much of the expansion debate has focused on Power conference programs that are on the bubble and miss the field of 68. An expanded field could lead to even more SEC teams participating in March Madness.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
