NCAA tournament expansion: What you need to know now that it's official?

Posted May 7, 2026
It's 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. 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. It's also the biggest expansion since 1985. (ESPN)

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