Full Breakdown
A-10 Commissioner Advocates for NCAA Tournament Expansion
3/27/2026, 1:27:13 PM
New Leadership in the Atlantic 10 Conference
The Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) has appointed Joe Leibovitz as its new commissioner, effective May 4. Leibovitz, who previously served as a senior associate commissioner for men’s basketball in the Big East Conference, aims to enhance the A-10's presence in the NCAA tournament. His predecessor, Bernadette McGlade, retired after 18 years in the role.
The Push for Tournament Expansion
Leibovitz supports the potential expansion of the NCAA tournament to 72 or 76 teams, a topic expected to be revisited by the NCAA this spring. He believes that such an expansion could provide additional opportunities for A-10 teams to secure tournament bids. Historically, only the A-10 tournament champion has earned an NCAA tournament berth in two of the last four seasons, highlighting the need for broader access.
Financial Implications of Tournament Participation
The NCAA allocates "units" of revenue to conferences based on the number of teams that qualify for the tournament and their progression within it. Leibovitz emphasized the importance of these units for generating revenue for the A-10. He stated, “There’s a lot of ways to make meaningful revenue for the A-10, but units is high on the list.” He expressed optimism that if expansion allows more A-10 teams to participate, it would be beneficial for the conference.
Strategic Considerations for the A-10
Leibovitz acknowledged the complexities involved in the NCAA selection process, which often relies on metrics such as strength of schedule and quality wins. He noted the necessity for the A-10 to maximize its opportunities and improve its branding. “We’ve got to perform. It’s a meritocracy. It rewards winning,” he stated, underscoring the need for strategic scheduling and successful outcomes in games.
Criticism & Opposition
While Leibovitz advocates for tournament expansion, some basketball purists prefer the traditional 64-team format. This perspective highlights a tension between maintaining the integrity of the tournament and the financial incentives associated with expansion.
What's Next for the A-10
As Leibovitz steps into his new role, he faces the challenge of enhancing the A-10's competitiveness and visibility in college basketball. His immediate focus will be on advocating for NCAA tournament expansion and ensuring that the conference's teams are well-positioned to take advantage of any changes in the tournament structure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Money talks,” — Joe Leibovitz, A-10 Commissioner
- “So if expansion means that the first team out is an A-10 team and all of a sudden we’re in, I’d be a fool not to hope for that.” — Joe Leibovitz, A-10 Commissioner
