How many teams participate in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament?

The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament features 68 teams. This format was established to accommodate a selection of the best teams from across the country and introduce additional excitement through the First Four games. These initial play-in games involve the four lowest-seeded at-large teams and the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers competing for the last four spots in the main 64-team bracket. As a result, after those four play-in games are completed, 64 teams move on to the traditional tournament structure, leading to increased drama and competition. The inclusion of the 68 teams allows for a broader representation of talent and gives more teams the opportunity to compete for the championship, enhancing the overall experience of the tournament.