Sports Leagues Chase Expansion, More Games

Across professional and collegiate sports, the trend is clear: leagues are actively pursuing expansion and increased game schedules, seeking to boost revenue and fan engagement.

NCAA Tournament Expansion on the Horizon

The **NCAA** men’s basketball committee is currently considering expanding the March Madness tournament field. A decision is expected this week on whether to increase the bracket from 68 to either 72 or 76 teams. The women’s tournament is also anticipated to grow.

NHL’s Longer Season Coming Soon

The **NHL** and **NHLPA** recently ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. Starting in the 2026-27 season, the regular season will increase to 84 games.

The Trend of Expansion

The move echoes similar expansions across various sports. Examples include the 12-team college football playoff, the **NBA** play-in round, and the expanded **NFL** Super Wild Card Weekend. Global competitions like the Club World Cup and the 48-team World Cup also reflect this trend.

Formula 1 Adds More Races

**Formula 1** racing has significantly increased its number of races. After decades of running between 14 and 18 races annually, the schedule now features 24 races in 21 different countries. According to a recent report by the Sports Business Journal, **Formula 1** saw a 9% increase in viewership in 2024, indicating a growing global interest that supports such expansions Sports Business Journal, 2024.

Other Leagues’ Expansion Moves

The **NHL**, **MLS**, and **WNBA** have all either recently expanded, have plans to expand soon, or both. This widespread trend indicates a strategic shift across the sports landscape.