Story perspectives

Future of NCAA Tournaments: Expansions Proposed by 2027

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ongoing discussions about expanding the NCAA tournament and college football playoff are expected to lead to changes by 2027.
The NCAA basketball tournament expanded to 68 teams in 2011, while the college football playoff currently features a 12-team format.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark supports a 76-team basketball model, citing potential economic benefits and improved ratings under the CBS and TNT broadcast deal, which runs until 2032.
Yormark also proposes a 16-team football playoff with a “5+11” model that includes automatic bids for top conferences.

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Story summary

Ongoing discussions about expanding the NCAA tournament and college football playoff are expected to lead to changes by 2027.
The NCAA basketball tournament expanded to 68 teams in 2011, while the college football playoff currently features a 12-team format.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark supports a 76-team basketball model, citing potential economic benefits and improved ratings under the CBS and TNT broadcast deal, which runs until 2032.
Yormark also proposes a 16-team football playoff with a “5+11” model that includes automatic bids for top conferences.