The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments will not expand beyond 68 teams in 2026, but future growth remains on the radar. “Expanding the tournament fields is no longer being contemplated for the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball championships,

“Expanding the tournament fields is no longer being contemplated for the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball championships," said NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt. "However, the committees will continue conversations on whether to recommend expanding to 72 or 76 teams in advance of the 2027 championships.”