NCAA, CBS Continue College Basketball Tournament Expansion Discussion

Arguably the finest form of athletic competition in existence, the annual NCAA basketball tournament inherently embodies the very essence of sport. "March Madness" generates an unrivaled manifestation of fervent and frenzied fandom. The month-long madness uniquely pervades the intimate fabric of society, affecting its followers' personal, professional, and spiritual lives. The 65-team quest for the NCAA's ultimate "One Shining Moment," inevitably inspires even its own blessed vernacular. "Bracketology," offers an inexact science, but serves as a respected year-round science, nonetheless. The terms, "bracket-buster" and "bubble-team," provoke a relentless cycle of restless sleep, panic attacks, and unavoidable cold sweats. In contrast, college basketball colloquialisms, "cutting down the nets," "automatic bid," and "at-large lock," deliver an abundance of hope, excitement, and utter relief. "Selection Sunday" is the highest of hoops' holy days, only outshined by the following Thursday, as the madness commences and every "office-pool" bracket remains unblemished for the briefest of moments. Each year, the tournament produces "dark-horse" discussions, "Cinderella" stories, and "Final Four" favorites. Heroes and villains emerge from the likeliest and most stunning sources, continuing to rewrite legendary lore spring after spring. "March Madness" is simply perfect in its present format and a compelling counterargument does not exist to warrant revision.

As NCAA tournament expansion discussion escalates, the most recent news reported in Street and Smith's article, "CBS-Turner Bid Possible for NCAA Tourney." The two broadcast industry giants are apparently offering the NCAA a competitive bid to dissolve the current tournament format and secure rights for the expanded tournament. The new format would include either 68 or 96 teams. Discussion of a deal is discouraging to most "content" college basketball fans. A 96 team-tournament would undoubtedly dilute the regular season, the competitive balance of "office pools" everywhere, and generate disinterest in the opening series of games, similar to the current play-in game. If the field does indeed expand to 96 teams, hopefully bracket-tracking will wisely start when the field reaches its optimal 64-team format.

In the end, should the NCAA regularly grant at-large bids to the Big Ten's 8th ranked squad or the Missouri Valley's 4th best team? The answer remains an emphatic no. Each year, today's teams possess the opportunity to rightfully earn a tournament berth, and consequently celebrate the feat to the fullest. The rarity of tournament-bids for certain programs merely enhances a "selection success," in the purest sense witnessed each and every year. The current discussion requires a collective outcry from the nation's college basketball purists.

Dear NCAA, we, the college basketball fan, plead with you to preserve present perfection and keep March Madness in mint condition. Thank you.

(Now, if only the NCAA displayed such initiative in regards to college football.)

Source:
Ourand, John and Smith, Michael, "CBS-Turner Bid Possible For NCAA Tourney." http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/64712