ROSEMONT, Illinois − In all likelihood, the NCAA Tournament will expand from its current 68-team format.

Traditionalists scoff at the thought, but Big Ten basketball coaches see positives in the reported potential expansion to 76 teams as early as the 2026-27 sea son.

The men's NCAA Tournament was last expanded in 2011, going from 64 to 68 teams.

"I've generally been a purist throughout the years. I think March Madness is the greatest sporting event in our country. It's uniquely American," Maryland coach Niko Medved said. "But I probably think it is time to expand. I just think you've got so many factors going on that it's different than it was 10 years ago. You've got to continue to evolve with the times."

Medved is in his first season at Minnesota. He took Colorado State t

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