The NCAA Tournament is expanding, how many Pac-12 teams should get in?

The NCAA has expanded its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments to 76 teams, up from 68, with the change taking effect for the 2027 season. The announcement on May 7 means the Pac-12 will need to assess its chances of securing additional bids, as the new conference structure includes programs like Gonzaga, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Boise State, which have historically performed well in postseason play. For men’s basketball, the Pac-12 could reasonably aim for four NCAA Tournament bids in 2027, given its roster of competitive teams. Gonzaga remains a perennial powerhouse, while Utah State, Colorado State, and Boise State have shown postseason potential. Even with a NET ranking average of 104 in 2026, the league’s top half appears strong enough to secure multiple bids. On the women’s side, the Pac-12 faces a tougher challenge, with a 2026 NET average of 149 and three teams ranked below 200. Gonzaga, Colorado State, and San Diego State are the league’s strongest programs, but consistency will be key. A two-bid scenario feels realistic, though leadership may target six total bids (men and women combined) as a baseline for success. The expansion benefits the Pac-12 by removing weaker programs that previously dragged down the Mountain West’s NET rankings. With Gonzaga (No. 10 NET in men’s basketball) and strong mid-tier teams, the conference has a clearer path to more NCAA appearances than its predecessor. Coach Ryun Williams of Colorado State has emphasized the Pac-12’s potential, stating the league should be a multi-bid conference. While the women’s side may struggle initially, the men’s program has clear upside, particularly with Gonzaga’s dominance and rising talent from other schools.