The NCAA has confirmed that both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will keep their current 68-team format for the 2026 season. This decision ends months of speculation about a possible expansion to the field, which had been discussed as a way to increase opportunities for mid-major programs and grow tournament revenue.

For now, the NCAA is sticking with a structure that has become a March tradition since its introduction in 2011. The 68-team field includes four play-in games—known as the “First Four”—which set the stage for the 64-team main bracket. The format is praised for its balance of competitive drama, opportunity for underdog stories, and preservation of the tournament’s high-stakes atmosphere.

While expansion discussions are still on the table for future years, the NCAA appears committed to maintaining stability in the short term. Many coaches and fans appreciate the decision, seeing it as a way to protect the magic of March Madness and keep the road to the Final Four as exclusive and challenging as it has been for over a decade.

What’s Next?
If expansion does happen in the coming years, it would likely involve adding more at-large bids and automatic qualifiers, potentially opening doors for additional mid-major programs. For now, though, fans can look forward to the same high-energy, bracket-busting action in 2026 that has made the tournament one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.