Does expanding Women's NCAA Tournament create opportunity — or just more power?
The Women's NCAA Tournament will expand to 76 teams. What do coaches like Jeff Walz, Sam Purcell and Adia Barnes think about it?
AMELIA ISLAND, FL — Like it or not, the NCAA Tournament is expanding . This upcoming season, March Madness for men’s and women’s basketball will grow to fields of 76 teams — an increase of eight at-large bids from the previous iteration of 68 teams. The NCAA is increasing the number of play-in games the week leading up to the Round of 64.
USA TODAY Sports caught up with a handful of women’s basketball coaches to see what they thought about this latest change to the sport. “Does this help us grow the game? Does it give people more opportunities?
And I think the answer to that is yes. More student athletes are going to have a positive experience,” Georgia Tech coach Karen Blair said. “There's nothing like on that Selection Sunday of having your name be called.
So, for more teams to be able to have that opportunity, I think it's phenomenal. ” OPINION: NCAA Tournament expansion won't kill March Madness but will make it worse Some, like longtime NC State coach Wes Moore, haven’t spent much time pondering the implications an expanded tournament. His Wolfpack — who went to the Final Four in 2024 and have won five ACC titles — are rarely in the bubble conversation.
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