NCAA to select second host city for expanded tournament opening round
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 1:17 PM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
The NCAA is set to announce a new city joining Dayton, Ohio, as a host for the expanded opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Starting in 2027, the tournament will grow from 68 to 76 teams, necessitating the addition of a second host site for preliminary contests. Each location will host six games over two days, featuring both at-large teams and automatic bids from low-major conferences. Bids have been submitted, with potential candidates in the Central, Mountain, or Pacific time zones. Denver and Las Vegas have confirmed they did not submit bids.
- •Dayton will continue as a primary host city alongside a yet-to-be-named location.
- •The expanded opening round will feature 12 games instead of four.
- •NCAA expected to make an announcement on the new host city soon.
- •Bids for hosting have been submitted as the selection timeline accelerates.
- •Sioux Falls and Albuquerque are among the cities suggested as potential hosts.
- 1:17 PMCBS Sports — Dribble Handoff: Best city and venue join Dayton as host for the NCAA Tournament's expanded opening round?
"As March Madness expands to 76 teams in 2027, Dayton needs a partner city to host the 12-game opening round. Our writers have some ideas
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