NCAA expands women's basketball tournament format affecting Syracuse team
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 11:32 PM
Last updated Jul 26, 2026
The NCAA will expand the women's basketball tournament from 68 to 76 teams starting in March 2027. This includes a significant shift in the seeding process for the top 16 teams, now based on true rankings rather than conference affiliation. Syracuse, led by Felicia Legette-Jack, could face tougher matchups earlier in the tournament due to this change. The Orange also confirmed a preseason exhibition against UConn and multiple other non-conference games for the 2026-27 season. Syracuse is expected to return ACC Rookie of the Year Uche Izoje along with several transfers and new players.
- •NCAA tournament expands from 68 to 76 teams in 2027.
- •New seeding rule places top 16 based on true rankings.
- •Syracuse could face conference teams earlier in the tournament.
- •The Orange confirmed a preseason game against UConn.
- •Syracuse adds multiple transfers and new players for 2026-27 season.
- 11:32 PMYahoo Sports — How Will Recent NCAA Tournament Rule Change Affect Syracuse Women's Basketball?
"Only the women's tournament will have this change go into effect next March.
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