Expanding the NCAA Tournament: How Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark Seeks to Enhance the Experience for Teams and Fans

The NCAA Tournament is considered one of the greatest spectacles in sports, and the Big 12 conference commissioner Brett Yormark believes that expanding the tournament field could enhance the experience even further. While discussions have centered on adding 76 teams to the tournament, Yormark expressed his openness to exploring other options.

The push for expansion comes from a growing concern that smaller conferences may be missing out on competitive opportunities due to recent realignment in college sports. With major conferences like the Pac-12, ACC, SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten adding new members in 2024, there is a need to find ways to ensure that all teams have an equal chance to compete at the highest level.

Yormark emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the NCAA Tournament while also considering ways to make it more accessible and enjoyable for fans. He believes that periodic audits and modifications can be beneficial in achieving this goal without compromising the tournament’s greatness.

Conference commissioners are planning to meet with NCAA president Charlie Baker to further discuss the idea of expanding the tournament. While there is no clear consensus on how many teams should be added, everyone agrees that any changes made must prioritize fairness and inclusivity.