The NCAA made waves across the college sports landscape today by announcing a monumental change to its premier event: the men’s and women’s Division I basketball tournaments will expand from 68 to 72 teams, beginning with the 2025 editions of March Madness.
The decision was finalized by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors after months of deliberation, feedback from schools, and growing pressure to increase access for deserving programs, particularly from mid-major conferences. It marks the first expansion of the tournament field since 2011, when the “First Four” format was introduced.
How the New Format Will Work
Under the new structure:
The “First Eight” will replace the current “First Four,” with eight opening-round games played over two days in Dayton, Ohio.
The top 60 teams (at-large and automatic qualifiers) will advance directly to the traditional Round of 64.
Twelve bubble teams will now battle for the final six spots in the field through the expanded play-in round.
The rest of the tournament schedule remains unchanged, with the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final Four, and national championship proceeding as before.
This change affects both men’s and women’s tournaments, reflecting the NCAA’s growing emphasis on gender equity in championship formats.
Why the Expansion Now?
According to NCAA President Charlie Baker, the expansion was driven by “the rapid growth and competitiveness of Division I basketball” and “a commitment to inclusion and fairness.”
> “We’ve seen significant improvements in performance across all levels of Division I. This change gives more student-athletes a shot at the national spotlight, while maintaining the integrity of March Madness,” Baker said during a press briefing.
Coaches and athletic directors from across the country largely welcomed the move. Mid-major programs, which often find themselves on the wrong side of the bubble despite strong seasons, stand to benefit the most.
Reactions from Around the Country
Mark Few, head coach of Gonzaga: “This is great for college basketball. There are always deserving teams left out—now more of them get a chance to prove themselves.”
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women’s head coach: “If the women’s game is going to grow, this kind of expansion is necessary. It gives our sport more depth, more drama, more opportunity.”
Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner: “It’s a move that reflects the changing nature of college sports—more teams, more talent, and more national interest.”
Concerns and Criticism
Not everyone is thrilled. Critics argue that the expansion could dilute the quality of early-round games and stretch the tournament too thin.
Some analysts have expressed concern over additional travel burdens for student-athletes and potential conflicts with academic schedules. Others worry that the expanded field might provide power conferences with even more at-large spots, continuing to crowd out smaller programs.
But the NCAA says it’s working with member schools to balance logistics and ensure that the expanded schedule is fair to players and fans alike.
A New Era Begins
March Madness has long been considered the most unpredictable and thrilling postseason event in American sports. With a larger field, more Cinderella stories, and additional TV inventory, the 2025 tournament is set to be the biggest and boldest in NCAA history.
CBS and Turner, which hold the broadcasting rights, have already begun discussions on how to accommodate the extra games, possibly introducing new prime-time slots for the “First Eight.”
Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is certain—March Madness just got madder.
