The NCAA has its sights set on expanding from a 65-team tournament to either 68 or 96 teams if it opts out of the CBS contract, according to the 12-page RFP.
A 68-team field would add three "play-in" games to the current 65-team format, and a 96-team field would expand the tournament’s inventory by 31 games.
The NCAA also says it is looking for a 14-year term on its next media deal, with a "no-penalty, early termination right in favor of the NCAA," according to the RFP.
The NCAA is considering whether to opt out of its 11-year, $6 billion contract with CBS after the Final Four in April. The deal has three years and $2.131 billion remaining.
Is an expansion of the NCAA tournament imminent? Sure sounds like it. On the one hand, this is horrible. On the other hand, I would really like to see NC State back in the NCAAs some time this decade.
