Field of 96 for NCAA Basketball a "done deal"

[HoboD]

Re: Field of 96 for NCAA Basketball a "done deal"

On the other hand, winners of the play-in games will earn a second revenue share for their conference by winning a relatively easy game(effectively a 16 vs. 17 matchup).

Does the winner of the current playin game get a share larger then a team that got an auto bid or at large bid that loses in the first round? That would give more money to a #16 that loses to the #1 then say a #3 that gets upset.

It would seem logical that they would not start giving out more money until the second round (Rd of 32).

[Hammersmith]

Re: Field of 96 for NCAA Basketball a "done deal"

Does the winner of the current playin game get a share larger then a team that got an auto bid or at large bid that loses in the first round? That would give more money to a #16 that loses to the #1 then say a #3 that gets upset.

It would seem logical that they would not start giving out more money until the second round (Rd of 32).

Yep, they started giving the play-in winner an extra share a couple years back(2008, I think). There were 126 shares awarded last year. There's a bit of conflicting information whether there will be the same this year(2010 tourney) or if the number will increase to 128(Final Four winners get another share).

65 in the tourney
1 for the play-in game winner
32 for the first round winners
16 for the second round winners
8 for the Sweet 16 winners
4 for the Elite 8 winners

= 126 shares

[1stRowFANatic]

Re: Field of 96 for NCAA Basketball a "done deal"

I think its doubtful now at least under the new contract which delineates specifically which network broadcasts which games. To add more teams would require amending the contract which they just entered into. Not likely, for the next few years at least.

Unless it is delineated in the current contract under what terms it can be changed to 96 and who gets to broadcast those games. Just because they didn't release that part of the contract doesn't mean it doesn't exist.