What is the total number of teams that participate in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament?

The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament features a total of 68 teams. This number includes 32 automatic qualifiers that earn their spots by winning their respective conference tournaments, along with 36 at-large teams selected based on their performance during the regular season and conference play. The tournament structure begins with the First Four, where the four lowest-seeded at-large teams and the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers compete for a spot in the main bracket, which consists of 64 teams. This expansion to 68 teams started in 2011, allowing for more teams to participate and giving a chance to a wider range of institutions to compete in the tournament. Understanding this format is essential for anyone studying NCAA basketball as it reflects the increasing opportunities for schools and the competitive nature of the tournament.