Why Playoff & Tournament Expansions in College Sports are a BAD IDEA

Photo courtesy of CNN

The recent expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and the rumored expansion of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, have sparked considerable debate among fans, analysts, and stakeholders. While the intention behind these expansions is to increase inclusivity and revenue, several compelling arguments suggest that such changes may, in fact, be detrimental to the integrity and appeal of college sports.

Dilution of Regular Season Significance

One of the most cherished aspects of college sports is the high stakes associated with each regular-season game. In college football, for instance, the limited number of games means that a single loss can jeopardize a team's championship aspirations. This structure ensures that every matchup carries weight and keeps fans engaged throughout the season. However, expanding the CFP to 12 teams may lessen this intensity, as teams could afford additional losses and still secure a playoff spot. This potential for reduced urgency might lead to decreased viewership and interest during the regular season. As noted by critics, the expansion could "detract from the regular season" and diminish the excitement of each game.

Photo courtesy Alabama Football Report

Inclusion of Mediocre Teams

Expanding tournament fields inherently allows teams with less impressive records to participate in postseason play. While this inclusivity can be seen as positive, it also raises concerns about the overall quality of competition. In the context of March Madness, increasing the number of teams from 68 to 76 could result in the inclusion of programs that did not perform at a high level during the regular season. This shift might lead to less competitive games in the early rounds, potentially diminishing the tournament's reputation for thrilling and unpredictable matchups. The inaugural 12-team CFP playoff suffered from that, with mostly first round blowouts. Critics argue that such expansion is more of a "money grab" than a move to enhance the sport.

Logistical and Academic Strain

Photo courtesy of North Carolina Central University

An expanded playoff system extends what is already a long season for both sports, requiring student-athletes to commit more time to their sport, which can interfere with academic responsibilities. The additional games also increase the risk of injuries and fatigue, potentially impacting players' health and future careers. Moreover, the logistics of scheduling, travel, and accommodations become more complex and costly, posing challenges for universities and athletic programs.

Erosion of Traditional Bowl and Tournament Structures

College sports are steeped in tradition, with events like bowl games and the current NCAA tournament format holding historical significance. Expanding the CFP or March Madness could undermine these traditions, leading to a loss of heritage that fans and alumni cherish. The unique charm of these events lies in their exclusivity and the high level of competition; altering their structure might dilute their distinctiveness and appeal.

Potential for Viewer Fatigue

While more games might seem like a boon for fans, there's a risk of oversaturation. The novelty and excitement of postseason play could diminish if the market becomes flooded with additional games, especially if they are perceived as lower quality due to the inclusion of less competitive teams. This oversaturation could lead to decreased television ratings and fan engagement over time. Recent data supports this concern, as the inaugural season of the expanded 12-team CFP format saw a significant decrease in television ratings for the semifinals, with a drop of about 17% compared to the previous season's semifinals.

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This is all such a perfect example of the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” March Madness is easily in the upper echelons of the most exciting sporting events in large part thanks to its amazing format. Which is why there is no real upside to adding more teams to the bracket other than the NCAA just wanting more money.