The NCAA tournament may expand to 72 or 76 teams soon, addressing the growth of Division I basketball and revenue pressures. Modest expansion could keep high major teams from creating separate tournaments, which is unpopular. Since the last change in the tournament format four decades ago, internal and external pressures have intensified. While the NCAA is hesitant about altering its 64-team bracket, potential implications include new matchups and competitive balances, along with the risk of unintended consequences similar to those seen with the introduction of the First Four format in 2011, which increased upset opportunities for lower-seeded teams.
Expanding the NCAA tournament isn't the terrible idea many have suggested, particularly if it prevents high majors from creating separate tournaments.
The NCAA is likely to approve an expansion to 72 or 76 teams soon, increasing the chances of up to two dozen teams vying in earlier rounds.
Unintended consequences have occurred in past expansions, such as the First Four format in 2011, which later allowed lower seeds to upset higher seeds.
The current situation raises several questions about bracket composition and the competitive landscape of college basketball in light of major tournament expansions.
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