The NCAA will expand both the men's and women's basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams starting in 2027, according to sources familiar with the decision.

The expansion represents the first increase in tournament field size since 2011, when the NCAA added four teams to create the current 68-team format. The change will add eight additional teams to both tournaments, creating more opportunities for programs to participate in March Madness.

The decision comes as college basketball continues to evolve amid conference realignment and changes to the sport's landscape. The expanded format will likely require adjustments to the tournament structure, though specific details about how the additional teams will be integrated have not been announced.

The expansion has generated mixed reactions within the college basketball community. While some view it as providing more opportunities for deserving teams that currently fall just short of tournament selection, others express concern about diluting the exclusivity and intensity that has made March Madness a premier sporting event.

The NCAA has not yet released official details about selection criteria changes or how the expanded field will affect seeding and bracket structure for the 2027 tournaments.