Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark Offers Stance on NCAA Tournament Expansion

While in Kansas City at the Big 12 Tournament, commissioner Brett Yorkmark openly offered his thoughts on several key issues surrounding college basketball. Two of the main takeaways from what Yorkmark had to say concern expansion, for the conference and the NCAA Tournament.

“I’m in favor of expansion to 76,” Yormark said about the NCAA Tournament. “I think that’s the right number.”

Of course, Yormark was referencing the debate over if the NCAA Tournament should expand from 72 teams to 76. And as much as some may argue expansion would water down the field, Yorkmark was honest about why he’s in favor of adding more teams.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark on NCAA Expansion: "I'm in favor of expansion to 76. I think that's the right number." Says there will be decisions in 90 days and economics will be a factor.

Taking NET Top 60 (other 16 low major conf. AQs) — Bubble Teams would be Pitt/Neb/UNT pic.twitter.com/M6OIoi6R6C

— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) March 11, 2025

Yorkmark said he expects there to be a meeting in the next 90 days to seriously discuss expansion and “economic reasons” are what makes him support expansion. A larger tournament would mean more games and an opportunity for a bigger TV contact in the future.

“There will be some decisions made over the next 60, 90 days,” Yormark said.

The current TV contract for the NCAA Tournament with CBS and TNT runs through 2032.

But despite his stance on the NCAA Tournament, Yorkmark is not focused on expanding the Big 12 at this time.

“Expansion isn’t something that’s on my radar right now,” said Yormark.

“Expansion isn’t something that’s on my radar right now,”

Brett Yormark on potential Big 12 expansion pic.twitter.com/BSngP36Okt

— Sam Foster (@Samfos1er) March 11, 2025

And as expected, Yormark voiced his belief that the Big 12 is the best conference in the country.

Much to the dismay of some viewer complaints, Yormark even defended the new court design. “That court isn’t about me, it’s about the student-athletes.”

Find more coverage of what’s going on around the Big 12 beyond just WVU at WV Sports Now.