NCAA tournament expansion FAQ: What you need to kn...
Key takeaways
- Of the 68 teams in last season's tournaments, 31 were automatic bids -- each conference receives one apiece -- and 37 were at-large bids, chosen by the selection committees based on various metrics.
- This is the first expansion for the men's tournament since 2011, when it grew from 65 to 68 teams.
- The women's tournament has shifted more recently, making the jump to 68 teams in 2022.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Aric Becker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images Jeff Borzello May 7, 2026, 03:15 PM ETClose Basketball recruiting insider. Joined ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware.Follow on XMultiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions It's finally official: The NCAA is expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments by eight teams to new fields of 76, set to take immediate effect with this upcoming season.
Of the 68 teams in last season's tournaments, 31 were automatic bids -- each conference receives one apiece -- and 37 were at-large bids, chosen by the selection committees based on various metrics. The increase to 76 teams means 44 at-large bids will now be handed out, with 32 automatic bids needed due to the return of the Pac-12.
This is the first expansion for the men's tournament since 2011, when it grew from 65 to 68 teams. It's also the biggest expansion since 1985, when the field doubled from 32 to 64 teams.