Big changes are coming to March Madness. The NCAA announced Thursday that both the men's and women's basketball tournaments will expand from 68 to 76 teams starting in 2027, adding eight at-large bids to the mix. This marks the first increase to the men's bracket since 2011, when three teams were added, and follows the women's field growing from 64 to 68 teams in 2022—a tournament that originally launched with just 32 teams back in 1982.

"Expanding the Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships is the right decision for the student-athletes and programs that will now have access to the greatest events in college sports," said Tim Sands, Board of Directors Chair and Virginia Tech president, in the official NCAA announcement. "As NCAA leaders, we are especially excited to provide additional, highly competitive games for fans who look forward to March Madness every year."

The expansion means more First Four action. The 12 lowest automatic qualifiers and 12 lowest at-large teams will now compete in the opening round, up from the current four-game setup. Six of those games will stay in Dayton, Ohio, which has long hosted the First Four doubleheaders, while the location for the remaining six games is still to be determined. The winners of all 12 matchups will then advance to the Round of 64.

"March Madness is the best postseason in all of sports, and this new format will continue that legacy by producing even more compelling games for fans and student-athletes," added Keith Gill, Sun Belt Conference commissioner and Division I Men's Basketball Committee Chair.

For fans who love the drama of bracket season, this means more chances to see Cinderella stories unfold and more opportunities to gear up for the tournament in style. Whether you're stocking up on your team's gear or just love the excitement of the game, the expanded field promises to deliver even more unforgettable moments starting in 2027.