“Expanding the tournament fields is no longer being contemplated for the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball championships. However, the committees will continue conversations on whether to recommend expanding to 72 or 76 teams in advance of the 2027 championships," Gavitt said.

The idea of expanding the tournament to either 72 or 76 teams had picked up steam in the spring. Expansion is still possible for 2027.

Monday was a big win for basketball fans who prefer the NCAA Tournament to remain untouched, but expansion still looms