NCAA revises seeding policy for women's basketball
The NCAA women's basketball selection committee has announced that it will no longer adjust the placement of the top 16 seeds to avoid matching conference rivals within the same regional bracket. The decision marks a departure from previous practices that sought to keep teams from the same league apart during the early rounds.
Historically, the committee has intervened to reposition teams such as LSU, which was shifted from a fifth to a seventh seed to keep it separate from South Carolina, and Vanderbilt, moved from seventh to eighth for a similar reason. Those moves were intended to preserve competitive balance but also sparked debate over fairness and bracket integrity.
Amanda Braun defends the new approach
Committee chair Amanda Braun said the new approach reflects a commitment to preserving the established order of the top 16, emphasizing that consistency provides clarity for teams, coaches and fans alike.
In contrast, the men's selection committee will continue to separate teams from the same conference into different regions, a practice that has defined the men's bracket for years. Both the men's and women's tournaments, however, are slated to grow to 76 teams beginning in 2027.
Looking ahead to a 76‑team tournament
The expansion aims to accommodate more programs while maintaining the committee's emphasis on a stable seeding structure, a shift that could reshape how March Madness unfolds in the coming years.