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Why Tennessee AD Danny White called NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams 'appropriate'
TL;DR
Tennessee AD Danny White supports the NCAA basketball tournament expansion to 76 teams, set for 2027. The change will add 24 teams to the First Four play-in games, increasing the total from eight teams in four games.
Key points
- Tennessee AD Danny White supports NCAA tournament expansion
- NCAA basketball tournament to expand to 76 teams in 2027
- 24 teams will be added to First Four play-in games
Mentioned in this story
NCAADanny White
Why Tennessee AD Danny White called NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams 'appropriate'
Tennessee athletic director Danny White voiced support for the expansion of the NCAA basketball tournament.
The men's and women's tournaments are expanding to 76 teams in 2027, per an ESPN report.
The men's tournament will add the new teams to the First Four play-in games, expanding from eight teams in four games to 24 teams playing in 12 games, per ESPN.
Details for the women's tournament have not been announced.
White was in favor of the bigger postseason fields.
"I think it's appropriate," White said at the Big Orange Caravan stop in Chattanooga on April 28. "There's now 350-plus Division I schools and you start thinking about the percentage of that group that can make the postseason. Playing in the NCAA Tournament is an awesome experience, it's something that basketball players, men and women, will remember for the rest of their lives. So I'm all for it, I think it's healthy."
Lady Vols basketball coach Kim Caldwell was a bit surprised about the news. Tennessee had its first opening round tournament exit since 2019 with a 76-61 loss to NC State.
"Yeah, I found out about 38 seconds ago," Caldwell said. "We have been recruiting nonstop, haven't had a whole lot of time to think about it. It will definitely be different, something for all of us to try to wrap our heads around."
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com
Q&A
What is the NCAA Tournament expansion plan for 2027?
The NCAA basketball tournament will expand to 76 teams in 2027, adding 24 teams to the First Four play-in games.
Why does Danny White believe the tournament expansion is appropriate?
Danny White supports the expansion as a way to enhance competition and inclusivity in NCAA basketball.
How will the First Four play-in games change with the expansion?
The First Four play-in games will increase from eight teams in four games to 24 teams playing in 12 games.
