The NCAA Tournament, also popularly known as March Madness, has been a long-standing tradition in college sports.
However, Michigan State’s head coach, Tom Izzo, suggests that the NCAA should reconsider the automatic bids offered to mid-major conferences.
This move, he believes, could improve the overall quality of the matches and drive up viewer ratings.
Addressing the media ahead of Michigan State’s inaugural showdown against Mississippi State, Izzo hinted that this idea requires serious evaluation.
“I just think what’s happening now, everybody likes the upsets in the first weekend, but I’m not sure moving on that’s what’s best for the game,” Izzo said. “I think it’s got to be looked at seriously.”
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Despite not voicing outright endorsement, Izzo criticized the current tournament’s selection process and suggested that some changes were in dire need.
Izzo, identifying himself as a “Division II guy,” has always advocated for the underdogs, believing they add a unique flair to the March Madness tournament.
However, his potential support towards eliminating automatic bids for the mid-majors and possible expansion of the tournament has caused a stir among sport fans.
Some analysts have pointed out several exclusions from the current year’s field due to unexpected results from conference tournaments, indicating that Izzo’s suggestion is worth considering.
However, the removal of automatic bids for mid-majors may not be the best solution, as it’s one of the crucial appeals of the tournament’s initial rounds.
Regardless of concerns raised by Izzo, NCAA Tournament viewership has been strong over the years, evident by the impactful contract worth $10.8 billion in 2010 with CBS and Turner to broadcast the tournament through 2024.
Although Izzo’s comment evoked stern reactions on social media, it’s important to note that he didn’t fully endorse the idea.
His central issue appears to be with the unpredictability of conference tournament results influencing the overall tournament’s field.
