Monday, October 19, 2026

March Madness Could Reach 90 Teams

  • A Division I NCAA committee released a 22-page set of recommendations touching on standards and revenue distribution.
  • The group proposed a bigger share of revenues toward women’s sports and other competitions.
NCAA-March-Madness
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

March Madness could get a lot wilder in future years.

The NCAA is considering a raft of changes that would reshape how many schools qualify for top tournaments and how funds are distributed. The proposals were released in a 22-page report by the NCAA Division I transformation committee on Tuesday.

  • The 21-member committee proposed allowing 25% of teams in sports sponsored by at least 200 schools to qualify for yearly championship events.
  • March Madness could grow from 68 teams to 90.
  • The group also recommended adjustments to standards for Division I schools creating attendance minimums for top-tier football schools, and accountability, training, and certification standards for coaches.

Athletes would see a boost in allowed benefits, with schools permitted to cover travel, training outside of school, and more cash for housing, meals, and certain educational costs.

The NCAA Puts the Future of Amateurism In Congress’ Hands

The NCAA punted on recommendations for regulating NIL.
January 4, 2023

Revenue Redistribution

Also on the table is how the NCAA metes out $638 million to Division I schools, $171 million of which is distributed based on performance in the men’s NCAA March Madness tournament.

The committee recommended altering the distribution system to reward success in women’s sports and other competitions.

The men’s tournament currently brings in more than 85% of the NCAA’s roughly $1 billion in annual revenue.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Big-Money Upsets Shake Up College Football

Half of the AP Poll top 10 lost in a single day.

Ballhalla Lays Out the Blueprint For the WNBA

Golden State has sold out every home game this year.

Michigan Benches Its Multimillion-Dollar Quarterback

Underwood’s benching comes after two first-half interceptions.

Engelbert: Next Commissioner Must Build on WNBA’s Growth

Adam Silver announced Engelbert’s retirement in September.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/19/26 – NBA Limits Prop Bets, Michigan Benches Underwood, Upsets Shake CFB

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.

CFP Expansion Could Raise Stakes for Coaches, Buyout Costs

Nick Saban warns more playoff spots could mean more firings.
Oct 9, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks off the field after a win over the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images
October 15, 2026

BYU Outperforming Its Budget As Notre Dame Showdown Arrives

Cougars coach Kalani Sitake has openly pushed for more resources.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivers a statement condemning the death penalty during a news conference at his office in Columbus on June 16, 2026.
October 16, 2026

NCAA Sues Ohio Governor Over Fifth-Year Eligibility Order

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the executive order Tuesday.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti heads in during The Walk before the Indiana versus North Texas football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Brian and Amy were the hosts, middle two in frame.
October 15, 2026

Indiana’s Title Windfall Meets Its Biggest Home Game in History

A new jersey patch extends Indiana’s run of sponsorship deals.
October 15, 2026

Matthew Mayich’s Family Rips Coach Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’

Arizona State and Greg Powers “reached a mutual agreement to part ways.”
Oct 10, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) scrambles with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
October 15, 2026

Keelon Russell Carries a Growing NIL Brand and Alabama’s Playoff Hopes

Following a loss to Georgia, Alabama faces Tennessee on Saturday.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.