What was described as “inevitable” three weeks ago has now become a reality. Much to the chagrin of many fans of the 64-team bracket, the NCAA will expand the NCAA Tournament starting next year after signing a new 14-year TV deal with CBS and Turner Sports, according to USA Today.
It’s Happening: NCAA Tournament To Be Expanded After NCAA Agrees To New TV Deal
The NCAA will formally announce the new arrangement in a 12:30 press conference Thursday, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal.
It is widely believed that the NCAA will expand from 65 to 96 teams with this move. USA Today reports that “the new agreement would expand the men’s tournament from 65 teams to anywhere from 68 to 96,” though it seems out of the question that such expansion would be to anything less than 96. As Ourand tweets:
Source: NCAA committed to expansion, but won’t commit to a specific number today. Could be 68 or 96. Ultimately, it will prob be 96 though.
This will certainly make Bracketology a lot more interesting.
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