Ken Pomeroy backs NCAA over 76 teams tourney plans: “Don't understand why people are so hostile”

College basketball analyst Ken Pomeroy recently expressed his support for the latest NCAA tournament expansion proposal. The current tournament model, which comprises 68 programs, is considering an expansion to accommodate 76 teams.

NCAA representatives presented two potential expanded field models to Division I conference commissioners on Wednesday. One includes four extra teams and another has eight additional teams, as per Yahoo Sports.

While many media members remain skeptical, Ken Pomeroy believes that having more teams would increase possibilities.

"RIP my mentions, but 76 teams is totally responsible expansion and I don't understand why people are so hostile to it. It would have been cool to have had Indiana State in last season's tourney. So what if it comes with St. John's and Oklahoma joining them, " Ken Pomeroy tweeted.

According to the proposal, the 68-team field expansion can have four or eight extra teams. The NCAA intends to maintain its 64-team bracket while introducing additional play-in matches for the teams ranked 10th through 12th.

Meanwhile, CBS Sports contributor Jon Rothstein is not a fan of the expansion concept.

"To Whom It May Concern, DO NOT expand or change the NCAA Tournament under ANY circumstances. DO NOT "look at" expanding or changing the NCAA Tournament under ANY circumstances," Rothstein wrote on Twitter.

The NCAA basketball tournament's bracket grew from 64 to 65 teams in 2001 and 65 to 68 teams in 2011. The major change to the tournament's main bracket occurred in 1985, when it increased from 53 teams to 64.

Ken Pomeroy believes expansion will not dilute the tournament's legacy

Ken Pomeroy shares a less common view in college basketball media about tourney expansion.

Pomeroy has been busy reasoning with individuals who are against the expansion, as they fear that a larger field might dilute the quality of competition.

"In 1985, 64 (22.8%) of 280 teams made the tourney. In 2024, 68 (19.4%) of 351 teams made it. The tournament is more exclusive than it's been since 1984. Nothing's going to lose meaning by adding a few teams," Pomeroy wrote.

Without a doubt, March Madness is a well-loved event across the sports fraternity, known for its exciting matchups and underdog stories. It is also one of the biggest revenue generators among all of NCAA competitions.

Officials from the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 have openly stated their wish to increase the number of at-large selections to 36, thereby creating opportunities for more of their schools.