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Good morning to NCAA Tournament and College Basketball fans:
The NCAA has decided to keep the men’s and women’s Division I basketball tournament at 68 teams for now, as they did in 2026. Although there is talk of expanding the field to 72 or 76 teams, no final decision has been made yet. The committee met in July but didn’t reach a conclusion. NCAA President Charlie Baker indicated that expansion is unlikely this season, with decisions possibly coming after 2027. NCAA Senior VP And Gabit mentioned discussions about expansion will continue ahead of the 2027 championship. Some experts, like Matt Nolander, believe that the 68-team format is optimal based on data and reasoning.
Not-so-good news in the NFL:
Mika Parsons’ trade request from the Dallas Cowboys is now four days old, and team owner Jerry Jones continues to complicate the situation. Despite Parsons’ enthusiasm for the team, contract negotiations have become a distraction, with Jones publicly commenting on the issue and expressing frustration. Historically, the Cowboys have struggled with timely contract extensions for their star players, leading to costly mistakes. Meanwhile, social media has seen debates around Parsons’ saga. Other NFL contract holdouts, like James Cook, continue to generate headlines as well.
Texas football earns a milestone:
For the first time, the Texas Longhorns are ranked No. 1 in a major preseason coach poll, reflecting high expectations despite being only fifth in the AP preseason poll. The team brings a loaded defense and some impressive talent under coach Steve Sarkisian, who has helped the team exceed preseason expectations in recent years. However, injuries present challenges for Texas as they prepare for the season. Big Ten and SEC teams make up most of the top 25 rankings, with Clemson ranked sixth and strong postseason prospects.
NBA update:
De’Aaron Fox and the San Antonio Spurs have agreed on a maximum four-year extension valued at $229 million. Fox, who was traded mid-last season and had surgery, bypassed a lesser extension offer from Sacramento to secure this bigger contract. The Spurs, armed with young stars like Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Steffon Castle, and Devin Vassell, are aiming to end a six-year playoff drought.
WNBA news:
WNBA MVP candidate Napheesa Collier is sidelined for at least two weeks with an ankle sprain, a setback for the Minnesota Lynx, who are aiming to hold their No. 1 seed. Collier leads the league in scoring and is a force in rebounds, steals, and blocks. Meanwhile, Kate Rinklerk of the Miami Heat is out indefinitely with a groin injury, though the team continues to perform well.
Tuesday’s sports schedule preview:
- Wings of Freedom basketball at 7 PM on NBA TV
- Cubs vs. Reds baseball at 8:05 PM on TBS
- Diamondbacks vs. Padres at 9:40 PM on MLB Network
- Fever vs. Sparks basketball at 10 PM on CBS Sports Network
- Dodgers vs. Cardinals baseball at 10:10 PM on MLB Network
Fan Take:
The decision to keep the NCAA tournament at 68 teams for now maintains the intensity and quality of March Madness, which is crucial for basketball fans who cherish every game’s high stakes. Meanwhile, Fox’s huge contract extension signals the Spurs’ commitment to building a competitive future, highlighting exciting growth potential in the NBA.
