NABC members,
Over the past two seasons, the NABC Board of Directors and Division I Congress – which collectively represent all levels of the sport, including both high-major and mid-major DI programs – have engaged in regular analysis of potential expansion of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship field. During this period, the NABC and members of these two coach-led committees have had multiple opportunities to engage with NCAA leadership and the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee regarding the topic of expansion.
We continue to believe our game thrives when all its stakeholders – coaches included – are at the table when major policy and structural changes are considered.
Feedback from our Division I member coaches has been consistent in support of existing bedrock principles that govern the championship – equitable and transparent selection criteria and inclusive AQ access for all DI conferences primary among them. Yet on the core issue of bracket expansion, your perspectives have remained quite diverse. Some coaches have expressed support for a modestly expanded field, while others have equally supported preserving the event’s popular current structure.
The NABC seeks to operate as a unified national voice for coaches – a voice on your behalf. In the absence of unanimous sentiment among the coaching community either favoring or opposing expansion, the NABC has ultimately opted not to issue a formal position on the topic.
Regardless of the future format of the bracket, the NABC will continue to advocate for coach perspectives to inform the tournament’s administration. Should the field indeed expand, coaches have already begun considering ideas on potential adjustments to selection protocols and analytical scheduling incentives – concepts that we believe at minimum warrant further dialogue. We stand ready to support this preeminent event in any capacity the NCAA and committee leaders see fit.
Your voices matter – and we’re committed to elevating them at the national level. Thank you for your ongoing impact as Guardians of the Game.
Sincerely,
Craig Robinson
NABC Executive Director
