Big 12 Commissioner Advocates for Expanding NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff

For Big 12 commissioner Brett Yorkmark, more is always better. During a recent press conference in Arizona, Yorkmark voiced his support for expanding both the NCAA tournament and College Football Playoff. He expressed openness to the idea of 76 teams participating in March Madness, emphasizing that the gap between power conferences like the SEC and Big Ten isn't as significant as some make it out to be.

The College Football Playoff is set to expand to 12 teams in 2025 and 2026, with discussions ongoing about potentially further expanding it to 14 teams. Yorkmark believes that increasing the number of teams in the playoff can enhance the championship experience for more student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of more opportunities for teams to compete.

Yorkmark also mentioned his desire to see the NCAA tournament expanded beyond the current field of 68 teams. He has been in discussions with fellow administrators and coaches about the possibility of increasing the number of teams in the tournament, with 76 teams being one of the floated possibilities.

While Yorkmark acknowledged the current revenue distribution discrepancies in the College Football Playoff, he managed to secure a "look-in" provision in the distribution deal for 2028. This provision allows commissioners to reassess the financial situation midway through the six-year agreement, potentially leading to a revised revenue distribution that benefits the Big 12 and its member schools.

Overall, Yorkmark believes that more opportunities for teams to participate in both the College Football Playoff and NCAA tournament can lead to a more inclusive and exciting experience for student-athletes and fans alike. He remains committed to advocating for the interests of the Big 12 and is eager to see how these potential expansions play out in the future.