NCAA Tournament expansion changes an event that didn't need fixing
More games means more money and more teams get their NCAA Tournament shot, but at what cost?
Nobody asked for this. When we’re talking about NCAA Tournament expansion, it’s important to start with that point. Don’t get distracted by looking at mock-ups of the new 76-team bracket or by wondering what city might get to share hosting duties with Dayton for the new opening round.
And even as NCAA officials pat themselves on the back on Thursday for finally getting expansion across the finish line, don’t get it twisted. This isn’t what fans want. This isn’t even what most coaches want ( which is why the men’s basketball coaches’ association refused to take a stance supporting expansion ).
It was a decision that was thrust upon those who care about college basketball, and it came from the top down — from the leaders of the most powerful conferences and the leader of college sports’ governing body himself. NCAA president Charlie Baker has been a vocal proponent of expansion for years, believing that a higher percentage of Division I basketball teams deserve to play in the sport’s premier postseason event. On Thursday, he expressed excitement that there would be 240 more athletes that get to participate in March Madness, starting next season.
It’s an admirable point to make, but it’s also missing the bigger picture. College basketball transfer portal rankings: Who are the top 2026 NCAA players available? Michigan pointed the way on how to build a champion through the portal.
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