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NCAA Expands March Madness to 76 Teams in 2026

4/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The NCAA will expand the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams beginning with the 2026-27 season.
The expansion adds eight at-large bids, grows the First Four to 12 games with 24 teams, keeps Dayton, Ohio, and adds a western site.
Power-conference schools are expected to take most new spots while the change offers modest financial upside that covers costs and leaves media contracts awaiting committee approval.

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Story summary

The NCAA will expand the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams beginning with the 2026-27 season.
The expansion adds eight at-large bids, grows the First Four to 12 games with 24 teams, keeps Dayton, Ohio, and adds a western site.
Power-conference schools are expected to take most new spots while the change offers modest financial upside that covers costs and leaves media contracts awaiting committee approval.