A determination regarding the potential expansion of the NCAA Tournament for both men’s and women’s basketball is not anticipated to occur before the conclusion of this season, as stated by NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan gavitt during an interview with CBS Sports on Thursday. Furthermore, Gavitt indicated that there is still a possibility that the tournament may not expand at all, at least in the “near future.”
“The key point to emphasize,” Gavitt mentioned on the Inspect on College Basketball podcast, “is that this is certainly not a foregone conclusion. The suggestion to not expand the tournaments remains a viable outcome in the short term.”
The factors influencing a delay in making a decision about expansion are linked to numerous complex financial issues, along with varying perspectives within the NCAA regarding the competitive feasibility of enlarging both men’s and women’s tournaments. Many within the NCAA appreciate maintaining tradition, unique marketability, and balanced appeal of March Madness bracket which has been developed over four decades, featuring an unmatched formula in American sports.
“The committees are actively continuing their evaluation on whether or not to broaden championships and if so, how best to approach it,” Gavitt stated.
CBS Sports reported back in June 2023 that a choice had been reached either to keep the tournament at 68 teams or expand it to include 72 or 76 teams. The committees for both men’s and women’s basketball have convened several times since then with gradual progress towards a decision that has historically faced pushback from various college basketball enthusiasts.
On Thursday, Gavitt also took time to counter media speculation from recent weeks suggesting that expansion was almost certain. While this remains one possible scenario, he noted significant logistical hurdles and unknown factors lie ahead for both NCAA officials and its member institutions.Leaders in college sports are preparing for what could be one of its most transformative periods in over a century: billions worth of revenue-sharing arrangements for student-athletes throughout this decade into the 2030s due to an upcoming settlement related to House case.
“It truly seems like lately there’s been more coverage suggesting ‘this is finalized; it’s going forward,’ but I can assure you that’s far from accurate,” Gavitt remarked. “I can’t predict what will happen as I sit here today.”
The NCAA might even choose to postpone any final resolution on this issue until as late as 2026 or 2027. There’s still ample time available for observation before making decisions.The current media agreement with CBS Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery extends through April 2032.
“I believe there will be an chance for discussions about ’26 within upcoming months; however if we decide against moving forward with expansion now, I’m uncertain if it would resolve matters over five-to-eight years either,” Gavitt explained further. “Perhaps waiting makes sense until we see whether or not approval comes through regarding House settlement by April seventh—what implications arise thereafter—and whether this should be revisited one or two years down line rather than immediately.”
no specific deadline exists mandating when men’s and women’s basketball committees must decide about expanding by 2026; however Gavitt mentioned late April/early May serves as crucial timeframe should any modifications need implementation prior next year’s tournament.
“Even modest expansions present complexities—more so than many realize—due largely because they incur costs,” said Gavitt elaborating further: “Costs arise from increased travel expenses per team involved along with game operations plus performance funds earned during men’s/women’s championship events.”
The addition of more teams dilutes revenue shared among schools involved significantly; thus colleges cannot afford losing out financially especially given impending revenue sharing model set forth later this year targeting major athletic departments without substantial influxes via new sponsorship deals surrounding March Madness events themselves complicates selling such proposals even further according him financial challenges represent “very real considerations” when contemplating potential expansions.
“Revenue plays pivotal role across nearly every aspect concerning collegiate athletics presently,” he added emphasizing importance thereof.”
A commissioner familiarized himself intimately concerning ongoing discussions surrounding possible expansions recently informed CBS Sports: “Reducing unit values simply isn’t negotiable—all schools/conferences must remain intact.”
Few individuals hold greater respect within collegiate circles than Dan Gavin whose stature carries immense influence—not only due his proven track record sustaining popularity around N.C.A.A tournaments spanning well beyond ten years—but also as he genuinely cares deeply about preserving healthiness sport itself transcending mere financial forecasts/corporate sponsorship agreements/powerpoint presentations could ever encapsulate adequately being son late dave Gavin who founded Big East back ’79 forever altering landscape college hoops.
For thirteen years now Dan Gavin has served N.C.A.A., yet his entire life revolves around world collegiate athletics where father helped shape field into idealized version sixty-four institutions competing together as ‘85 after chairing selection committee previously himself privately opposed idea expanding until recently admitting stance softened though hasn’t entirely shifted opposite direction.
I haven’t formed my final opinion yet,” said Gavin responding query posed regarding hypothetical authority deciding upon future expansions adding: “My viewpoint evolved considerably past couple years surrounding subject matter—I’d likely have given straightforward answer ‘no’ just few seasons ago…still unsure whether necessary pursue enlargement but recognize much transpired/changing last few seasons necessitating consideration beyond present circumstances while evaluating current membership composition too.”
The state college basketball finds itself currently appears relatively healthy heading into twenty twenty-five despite lingering issues needing addressing urgently such referee review protocols plaguing end-game scenarios requiring immediate attention offseason ahead while regular season maintains excitement level albeit seeking additional relevance amidst backdrop NFL & College football seasons progressing onward.
An expanded tournament risks diminishing urgency felt throughout November-March period consequently additionally raises questions concerning Tuesday-Wednesday matchups alterations arising therein would double-digit seeds receiving automatic bids compete those days? How access looks differing between power conferences versus lower/mid-majors? unintended consequences stemming adjustments made existing structure loom large over these deliberations.
I grapple constantly wrestling thoughts keeping me awake nights,” remarked Gavin later adding: “We truly need think ahead rather than remain stuck past where things won’t revert back previous states while ensuring success beloved nature tournament preserved safeguarding essence specialness inherent therein every ounce my being.”
You can view my complete interview featuring Gavin below our discussion centered around N.C.A.A Tournament Expansion commences approximately thirty-one minutes mark.
