The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee discussed expanding the field for participation in the NCAA Tournament at its meeting this week, but adding to the 68-team bracket is “not imminent,” the committee said. said Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The discussion followed a recommendation from the Division I Transformation Committee in January, team sports sponsored by more than 200 institutions are expected to attempt to implement a playoff that includes 25 percent of teams meeting DI standards in the sport.
- Not counting the 11 schools currently in the process of reclassifying from Division II, there are 351 DI schools that sponsor men’s basketball, according to the NCAA.
- The men’s tournament last expanded before the 2011 championship, when the field expanded from 65 to 68 teams. Before that, the tournament expanded from 64 to 65 teams in 2001 – its first expansion since 1985.
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Why this statement is important
It’s notable because it’s the first time the Division I men’s basketball committee has really looked into the issue — and it’s the group that decides whether to expand. Gavitt’s comments over the past year suggest he is personally opposed to expansion, and it’s not terribly surprising that this group would echo that view at this time.
I expect this topic to receive further evaluation and feedback, as there are important and valid reasons why the Transformation Committee included their recommendation for the championship. But those hoping to keep sports’ biggest postseason event as it is can breathe a sigh of relief for now. —Auerbach
What they say
“The committee must be good stewards of the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship,” Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball, said in a statement. “They are committed to doing their due diligence by looking at a few different models to make an informed decision that is in the best interest of the championship, and that could very well include a decision not to extend.”
“The committee and staff will continue to study options and gather feedback from various constituents,” Gavitt added. “It remains to be seen whether the tournament will expand or not.”
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(Photo: Joseph Maiorana / USA Today)
