The future of March Madness is at a crossroads, with potential expansion on the horizon. But for mid-major schools, this development may not be a game-changer. Here's why.
The Expansion Talk
The NCAA is reportedly considering expanding March Madness, with an announcement potentially coming soon. The current tournament features 68 teams, with the bottom four automatically qualified and four 'at-large' teams joining them in the 'First Four' tournament. This expansion would increase the total teams to 76, with 12 play-in games instead of four.
A Revenue Boost
The primary motivation for this expansion is revenue. However, it also presents an opportunity for mid-major schools, which often struggle to compete with the Power 4 conferences.
Mid-Majors' Chance
Mid-major schools, which are not part of the top four conferences, will have more opportunities to play for the national championship. The expansion allows for more 'bubble' teams, many of which are mid-majors, to compete.
Indiana State's Story
In 2024, Indiana State, led by Robbie Avila, was close to securing a tournament bid in the Atlantic 10. With the expansion, such opportunities will become more frequent.
The NIL Factor
However, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) presents a challenge. Top programs can offer more substantial contracts, luring elite players away from mid-majors. This has led to a transfer portal explosion, with players like PJ Haggerty jumping to Power 4 schools for financial reasons.
Transfer Portal Impact
The transfer portal has become a battleground, with top talents moving to more prestigious schools. This trend is evident with Yazel Landeburg, Donovan Dent, and Bennet Stirz, who all transferred to Power 5 schools this offseason.
National Champion's Story
The 2025 national champion, Florida Gators, benefited from a transfer portal player, Walter Clayton Jr., who transferred from Iona and received the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.
Competing with the Power 5
Mid-major schools face a daunting challenge. If they continue to lose top talents, their chances of competing at the national level diminish. Some programs, like UAB, are adapting their recruitment strategies, but the question remains: can they keep up with the Power 5's increasing budgets and influence?
