A bigger bracket? NCAA transformation could lead to changes

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College sports leaders are working to transform the top tier of NCAA athletics, from how Division I should be governed to what should be required of schools to compete at the highest level.

Changing the NCAA could lead to changes in its crown jewel event — the Division I men’s college basketball tournament, the lucrative three-week, 68-team joyride that has become an American sports institution.

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What's that mean?

How about an expanded bracket? Or more play-in games — just don’t call them play-in games — and fewer opportunities for the small schools to upset the traditional powers?

"Well, it used to be a 32-team tournament, and it was a 48-team tournament, and it was 64. And then it was 65. And now it’s 68," Atlantic Sun Commissioner Ted Gumbart said. "So I don’t think there’s any magic number to say, hey, you can’t be 72 or 80. I think it’s healthy."

How does an NCAA Tournament with all 351 D-I schools sound?

"You could have an all-comers tournament with just one more weekend," Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said. "I think it’s an idea that might have the nuggets of compromise that could be satisfactory."

Virginia Tech celebrates after winning the NCAA college basketball championship game against Duke in the Atlantic Coast Conference men's tournament, Saturday, March 12, 2022, in New York. Virginia Tech won, 82-67. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

The men's field of 68 for March Madness was set Sunday night. The games begin with a First Four appetizer on Tuesday and Wednesday before the basketball bonanza commences Thursday across the country.

To be clear: The NCAA's Division I transformation