NCAA to Expand Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments to 76 Teams

May 9, 2026, 18:32
USSports

Introduction

The NCAA has announced that the number of teams participating in both the men's and women's basketball tournaments will increase starting in 2027.

Main Body

The decision to increase the field from 68 to 76 teams follows a long history of growth. Over the last forty years, the number of Division I programs has grown from 282 to 361, meaning the tournament size needed to increase to keep up with the number of eligible schools. Furthermore, this change is expected to help high-performing teams that struggle due to the difficult schedules of 'Power Four' conferences. While some critics argue that lower-ranked teams cannot win a championship, the NCAA pointed to past upsets by teams like UMBC and Fairleigh Dickinson as proof that any team can succeed. Financial growth is also a primary driver for this change. The NCAA has reached an agreement with CBS and TNT to provide an additional $50 million every year from 2027 to 2032. Consequently, this is expected to result in over $131 million in new funding for member schools. Additionally, the NCAA has updated its rules to allow sponsorships from alcohol brands, including beer and wine, to create more diverse sources of income.

Conclusion

Starting in 2027, the NCAA tournament will move to a 76-team format, supported by the growth of member schools and new media deals.

Learning

⚡ The 'Logical Glue' Shift

At the A2 level, students usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Consequence and Addition. These words act as 'glue' that make your writing sound professional and organized.

🛠️ From Basic to B2

Look at how the article evolves simple ideas into complex ones:

  • Basic (A2): "The number of schools grew, so the tournament size needed to increase."

  • B2 Level: "...meaning the tournament size needed to increase to keep up with the number of eligible schools."

  • Basic (A2): "And they got more money from CBS."

  • B2 Level: "Consequently, this is expected to result in over $131 million in new funding..."

🔍 The 'Power' Words in this Text

These three words are your tickets to a higher level. Use them instead of your usual favorites:

  1. Furthermore →\rightarrow Use this instead of 'Also' when you want to add a strong, important point.
  2. Consequently →\rightarrow Use this instead of 'So' to show a direct professional result.
  3. Additionally →\rightarrow Use this when adding a new piece of information to a list.

💡 Pro Tip: The 'Keep up with' Phrase

B2 fluency is about phrasal verbs. The text uses "keep up with."

  • Meaning: To move or progress at the same rate as something else.
  • Example: If the city grows, the public transport must keep up with the population.

Vocabulary Learning

expand (v.)
To make something larger or increase its size or scope.
Example:The NCAA plans to expand the tournament to 76 teams.
tournament (n.)
A competition involving many teams or players.
Example:The basketball tournament will feature 76 teams.
increase (v.)
To become greater in amount, number, or size.
Example:The number of teams will increase to 76.
participate (v.)
To take part or be involved in an event or activity.
Example:Teams participate in the tournament each year.
field (n.)
The group of competitors or participants in a contest.
Example:The field of 76 teams is larger than before.
history (n.)
A record or account of past events.
Example:There is a long history of growth in college basketball.
growth (n.)
The process of increasing in size, number, or importance.
Example:The growth of Division I programs has been steady.
eligible (adj.)
Qualified or allowed to participate in something.
Example:Only eligible schools can enter the tournament.
struggle (v.)
To have difficulty or to fight hard for something.
Example:Teams struggle with difficult schedules during the season.
difficult (adj.)
Hard to do, understand, or manage.
Example:The difficult schedules challenge even top teams.
conference (n.)
A group of schools that compete against each other.
Example:Power Four conferences set the toughest schedules.
critics (n.)
People who express disapproval or negative opinions.
Example:Critics argue that lower‑ranked teams cannot win a championship.
lower‑ranked (adj.)
Having a lower position or standing in a ranking system.
Example:Lower‑ranked teams face tough odds in the tournament.
championship (n.)
A contest for a title or prize at the highest level.
Example:They aim to win the championship against all odds.
upset (n.)
A surprising defeat of a stronger opponent by a weaker one.
Example:UMBC caused a major upset against a top‑seeded team.
financial (adj.)
Relating to money, income, or economic matters.
Example:Financial growth is a key driver for the expansion.
driver (n.)
A factor or force that causes something to happen.
Example:Financial growth is a primary driver for the change.
agreement (n.)
A formal arrangement or contract between parties.
Example:The NCAA reached an agreement with CBS for broadcast rights.
sponsorship (n.)
Support or funding provided by a sponsor, often in exchange for promotion.
Example:Sponsorships from alcohol brands are now allowed.
alcohol (n.)
Drinks that contain ethanol, such as beer or wine.
Example:Beer and wine are common alcohol brands in sports sponsorships.
diverse (adj.)
Made up of many different types or elements.
Example:The sponsorships create diverse sources of income.
funding (n.)
Money provided for a particular purpose or project.
Example:New funding will support member schools and their programs.
media (n.)
Communication outlets such as television, radio, or the internet.
Example:Media deals bring additional revenue to the NCAA.
deal (n.)
An agreement or arrangement between parties.
Example:The media deal adds significant revenue for the tournament.