The Big Ten And Big 12 Dominate NCAA Men’s Tournament Bracket Preview
Forbes Business
by Tim Casey, Senior ContributorFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NCAA men's basketball tournament selection committee recently revealed the top 16 seeds for this year's bracket, showcasing a strong showing from two major conferences: the Big Ten and the Big 12, each securing five teams apiece. This dominance highlights the competitive strength of these programs and their ability to consistently produce top-tier teams. The announcement underscores the ongoing rivalry between these powerhouse conferences and their influence on college basketball.
The Big Ten and Big 12 have long been known for producing elite talent and teams that often make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. With five teams each among the top 16 seeds, both conferences demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level. The selection committee's decision reflects the strength of these programs' regular season performances and conference tournaments, which have historically set the standard for college basketball.
From a business perspective, this dominance matters because it drives revenue for universities, media outlets, and sponsors. Top teams attract larger audiences, leading to higher TV ratings and increased merchandise sales. The visibility of Big Ten and Big 12 schools on the
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/23/2026