The NCAA announced this week that the men’s and women’s Division I basketball tournaments will grow from 68 to 76 teams beginning next season, a move that promises more games, more exposure and a fresh cash flow for schools.
University of Maine head coach Chris Markwood and assistant coach Courtney England welcomed the expansion, saying it could open doors for programs that have long fought for a seat at the table.
A New Tournament Landscape
Under the new bracket, twelve opening‑round games will be played, involving the lowest‑seeded automatic qualifiers and at‑large teams; the men’s first round will be staged in Dayton, Ohio, and another venue yet to be selected, while the women’s opening games will remain on campus sites.
Markwood, who leads the Black Bears of the America East, believes the extra spots could translate into more at‑large bids for mid‑major conferences, giving teams like his a realistic chance to extend their season.
England, meanwhile, cautioned that powerhouses from the Power Four conferences are likely to dominate the new at‑large slots, thanks to their larger TV audiences and deeper pockets.
Both coaches agree that a strong non‑conference schedule, featuring Quad One and Quad Two opponents, will be essential for any mid‑major hoping to earn an at‑large berth in the expanded field.
The NCAA projects that the new revenue distribution will exceed $131 million over the next six years, a figure that could reshape how conferences allocate resources and plan future tournaments.
While some analysts worry the tournament might be diluted, Markwood argues that adding quality games rather than quantity will preserve the competition’s intensity.
The upcoming season will also see the opening round played at two sites, a logistical addition that Markwood says will enrich the tournament experience for fans and teams alike.