Indianapolis, IN – In a significant change for college basketball, the NCAA Division I Council has approved an increase in the regular season games from 31 to 32, starting with the 2026-27 season. This decision was made on Wednesday and passed smoothly after unanimous support from the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Oversight Committees back in late March.
The previous limit of 31 games had been in place for nearly two decades. For the last 16 years, teams could play 28 or 29 predetermined games, plus an allowance for additional games through multi-team events (MTEs). With the new 32-game cap, teams will not be required to play that many games but will have the option to do so, and many are expected to take advantage of this with an extra game scheduled.
This change also means that teams advancing to the NCAA tournament could compete in up to 41 games during the season, including postseason play. The shift to a longer regular season has been tied to the evolving nature of multi-team events. Recently, NCAA guidelines made it more difficult for schools within the same leagues to participate in the same events. This wasn’t allowed previously unless a waiver was granted, but it will now become a more flexible aspect of the scheduling process.
Another benefit of this update is that it allows for the scheduling of major in-season tournaments, such as the Players Era Festival, which will expand to 18 teams this November and aims for a 32-team setup by 2026. By adopting the 32-game limit, programs will have more scheduling flexibility, making it easier to arrange high-profile matchups during the regular season.
Multiple coaches from top programs spoke about the benefits of having an additional game, especially around January and February. They expressed interest in scheduling nonconference games during conference play to prepare better for the postseason. This means fans could see exciting matchups, such as Duke facing teams like Illinois or Michigan in crucial months.
Financial motivations also play a role in this decision. The added game offers more revenue opportunities for programs, which can help support athletes after recent changes in revenue sharing. Schools are eager to maximize their income through home games, leading to more financial stability as they navigate this evolving landscape.
With these adjustments, there are speculations that this increase to 32 games might just be the start, with possibilities for further expansions to 34 or 35 games in the upcoming years.
