The NCAA has made a decision on whether or not to change the current format of the Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships for the 2025-2026 season.
Good news: the NCAA got this one right!
Dan Gavitt has released a statement regarding the NCAA Tournament staying at 68 teams for the 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/xKRfaaSSZ3
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 4, 2025
Although there was plenty of talk surrounding the expansion of the greatest event in sports, the committees agreed that this season isn't the time to change things up. However, even though this is a major win in the short term, the idea of expanding the tournament is still on the table, especially as early as next season (2026-2027).
Of course, the reasoning behind wanting to expand the tournament field is for revenue purposes. However, why must we fix something that is far from broken?!
There will be those people (mostly Duke and NC State trolls) that will say that the UNC basketball program needs the extra space in order to make the big dance. While they'll have their laughs, I think we can all agree on the fact that more teams are not needed in the NCAA Tournament field.
If you're a "bubble team," build a resume that the committee feels is deserving of a spot. If you're on the outside looking in, go back to the drawing board and find ways to make the tournament next season.
Our society has made it a common occurrance to cater to as many people as possible. The "everyone gets ice cream," regardless of win or lose, has stifled us to the point that the NCAA is using it as a tactic to try to increase its revenue.
Give them credit: they decided not to make changes to the current format for this year. However, it should be known that this minor victory is just the start of more speculation about the future of the NCAA Tournament format.
For the love of sports, please don't change the amount of teams who secure a spot in the annual NCAA Tournament field.