A New Era for Women's Tournament Seeding
The NCAA announced this week that the seeding methodology for the top 16 teams in the women's basketball tournament will no longer be altered to keep conference rivals apart. The decision, driven by committee chair Amanda Braun, reflects a belief that the teams' performances should stand on their own merit.
Historically, the selection committee has repositioned schools such as LSU and Vanderbilt to different seeds to prevent early clashes with conference opponents. LSU, originally slated fifth, was moved to seventh, while Vanderbilt dropped from seventh to eighth, both changes aimed at preserving regional balance.
In contrast, the men's selection committee will continue to adjust seeds to avoid intra‑conference matchups, preserving a long‑standing tradition. Both the men's and women's brackets are slated to grow to 76 teams beginning in 2027, a expansion that promises more competition and broader representation.
Amanda Braun underscored the committee's dedication, stating that the work of the teams and the effort of the selection process are paramount. Her remarks signal a shift toward evaluating teams primarily on their on‑court achievements rather than logistical considerations.