NCAA Sports Update: Key Developments in College Athletics

In Los Angeles, the NCAA is buzzing with activity, even in the offseason. Several important developments have emerged this week, drawing attention to various collegiate sports.

First up, March Madness may soon see an increase in the number of participating teams. Reports suggest that in the next few weeks, the NCAA will decide whether to expand the men’s and women’s tournaments to either 72 or 76 teams starting in the 2025-26 season. This change could have significant implications, as the tournament is a major event that generates revenue for Division I schools and engages fans nationwide. The men’s tournament format hasn’t changed much since the addition of the First Four in 2011, and many are curious if such changes are necessary.

Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould has voiced her strong support for expansion, reflecting a growing interest among conference leaders. After discussions with other commissioners, including those from the Big 12 and SEC, it seems a consensus is forming around the idea of expansion, pending financial considerations. Currently, each NCAA tournament game brings about $350,000 to the conference of the participating teams, and the financial details will play a crucial role in any decisions made.

Meanwhile, for the Pac-12 legacy schools, this year’s NBA draft was disappointing, with only two players selected in the first round. Washington State’s Cedric Coward and Arizona’s Carter Bryant were the only representatives, marking a concerning trend for a conference that has historically placed several players into the draft. The current state of college basketball in the West appears to be on the decline, with only Arizona making it to the Sweet 16 in the past spring tournament. Other traditional powerhouses like USC and UCLA have struggled lately.

Lastly, the Pac-12 is making strides in its restructuring process. An invitation has been extended to Texas State, which is expected to accept it soon. This addition will help the conference meet its certification requirements by bringing in an eighth all-sports member ahead of a projected re-launch in July. This is a vital step for the 2026-27 competition season as the conference works to create a solid operational framework and finalize media rights agreements.

While the Pac-12 has room for further expansion, the focus seems to be on stabilizing and proceeding with these new additions for now.