The final steps have been taken to expand the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament from 64 teams to 76.

If you thought the tournament in March was already mad, it sounds like it’s about to get a whole lot madder.

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Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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According to ESPN, the NCAA is moving forward with plans to expand the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments to 76 teams.

With the change expected to begin as soon as this coming season, an official announcement could come by mid-May, as remaining committee approvals are viewed as largely procedural.

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Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
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ESPN sources indicate NCAA officials have what they need to move forward after meeting with media partners last week.

With contracts for the men’s tournament nearing completion but not yet signed, the agreements would still require approval from multiple NCAA committees once finalized, including the men’s and women’s basketball committees, oversight groups, the Division I cabinet, and the Board of Governors.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
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And there you have it! Sources tell ESPN that the NCAA is set to expand the number of teams for both the men’s and women’s end-of-season basketball tournaments.

What are your thoughts on this? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

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