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Big Ten's Petitti Advocates Straight-Seeding for NCAA Expansion

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti argues for a straight-seeding model in any NCAA men’s basketball tournament expansion.
He argues the straight-seeding model would broaden access for teams near .500, especially from larger conferences.
The discussions center on a 76-team format that could take effect by the 2026-27 season.
Petitti's proposal comes as the SEC has recently sent 14 teams to the tournament.

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Story summary

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti argues for a straight-seeding model in any NCAA men’s basketball tournament expansion.
He argues the straight-seeding model would broaden access for teams near .500, especially from larger conferences.
The discussions center on a 76-team format that could take effect by the 2026-27 season.
Petitti's proposal comes as the SEC has recently sent 14 teams to the tournament.