Big Ten men’s basketball tournament expanding to 18 teams for 2025-26 season

The 2026 Big Ten men’s basketball tournament is expanding to 18 teams, the league announced on Thursday.

Last season, the tournament only included 15 teams, which left three teams at home to begin postseason play.

All 18 teams will be included this March in the men’s tournament, which will begin a day earlier to accommodate the addition of three teams.

The 2026 Big Ten men’s basketball tournament will take place March 10-15 in Chicago at the United Center.

Future Big Ten men’s tournament sites:

March 2026 – United Center (Chicago)
March 2027 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
March 2028 – T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)