Welcome to BamaCentral’s “Just a Minute,” a video series featuring BamaCentral’s Alabama beat writers. Several times a week, writers will group together to give their take on a topic affecting the Crimson Tide or the college sports landscape.
Watch the video above as BamaCentral editors Blake Byler and Katie Windham discuss whether or not the NCAA Tournament field should expand to men’s and women’s basketball after reports reports surfaced earlier this week that the NCAA is getting closer to a decision.
The NCAA college basketball tournament last expanded from 64 to 68 teams in 2011. According to a report from Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, the field could now consist of 72 or 76 teams by 2026.
The expansion would allow more at-large bids and expand the current “top four” cycle, which takes place annually in Dayton, Ohio. Automatic qualification to win a conference tournament would not change. Expansion is almost imminent according to the report and would affect both the men’s and women’s tournament.
Before Nate Oats arrived at Alabama, the Crimson Tide seemed to live on the bubble season after season, but now the program has made four straight NCAA Tournaments, including a run to the Final Four in 2024. Alabama is one of favorites to win the national title next season.
What do you think? Should the NCAA expand the scope to allow more teams a shot at the title and give more fans the opportunity to experience the NCAA Tournament? Or should the tournament remain at 68 teams?
