The proposed format would expand the opening round to 24 teams (comprised of auto qualifiers and those on the bubble), with 52 awaiting. Dayton and another location are expected to host these games. This change could go into effect as early as next season.

We can finally get that coveted 11th-place SEC team vs. 9th-place Big 12 matchup that we have been longing for! 

Nobody wants this. Pure greed.

Just now, TheDeuce said:

Nobody wants this. Pure greed.

I agree and I have been thinking through this some.  When you consider the seeds that made it/usually make it, 16 teams are all that is needed.

The important question is, will these additional games now be part of The Bracket Challenge and included in office pools?

1 minute ago, Jumper_Dad said:

The important question is, will these additional games now be part of The Bracket Challenge and included in office pools?

Hmm. I hadn't thought of that. You can get by with it under the current format, but six additional games may tilt it.

15 minutes ago, theguru said:

I agree and I have been thinking through this some.  When you consider the seeds that made it/usually make it, 16 teams are all that is needed.

I believe 32 is/was the sweet spot. 8 seeds have shown to be formidable competition, and that's really what we are looking for. Since the expansion, there have been four 8 seeds to advance to the Championship game.

Winners include: 8 seed, 7 seed (twice), and a 6 seed.

16 minutes ago, bugatti said:

I believe 32 is/was the sweet spot. 8 seeds have shown to be formidable competition, and that's really what we are looking for. Since the expansion, there have been four 8 seeds to advance to the Championship game.

Winners include: 8 seed, 7 seed (twice), and a 6 seed.

I do agree with you, 32 teams.  Then have a second tournament with 33 through 64, and one more if you really want to.

Same feelings I have about NCAA football, 16 teams and then a second 16 team tournament. 

1 hour ago, TheDeuce said:

Nobody wants this. Pure greed.

Won't this increase the NIL funds?

1 hour ago, 4 Quarters said:

Won't this increase the NIL funds?

I’m not sure there would be a direct correlation, but it’s possible. 

The Tournament is the only real money maker that the NCAA has, they are going to milk that cow!

Where has this been reported officially? Not a word of it on ESPN or The Athletic.

I am good with 64.

I like 32 less than 76, and I don't like 76 at all.

If TV Networks are willing to pay for it, it will happen.   That's the only reason to do this.  A majority of the early round games are in 1/2 empty arenas, so expanding isn't really going to make much difference there.   This is the NCAA going after TV money.   As stated above, greed, pure and simple.

Edited April 8Apr 8 by Tranquility Base

1 hour ago, Tranquility Base said:

If TV Networks are willing to pay for it, it will happen.   That's the only reason to do this.  A majority of the early round games are in 1/2 empty arenas, so expanding isn't really going to make much difference there.   This is the NCAA going after TV money.   As stated above, greed, pure and simple.

At what point does good business become "greed". If someone is willing to pay a lot of money for something, does that really make the person (or company) that owns that something greedy for selling as much of it as they can?  It's 8 more teams, or 4 more games. I can't say I noticed all that much of a difference when they expanded to 68, and I doubt expanding to 76 will really make a noticeable difference one way or the other. You just get 6 games on Tuesday night instead of 2.

Done Deal!