This is a list of NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament bids by school, and is updated through 2026. As of the next NCAA tournament in 2027, there are 76 bids possible each year (32 automatic qualifiers, 44 at-large). Schools not currently in Division I are in italics (e.g., CCNY) and some have appeared under prior names (e.g., UTEP went by Texas Western in 1966). Vacated appearances are excluded from the Bids table and noted below it.
Bids The NCAA recognizes Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight since the beginning of the tournament, despite the fact that there were no games to advance to the final eight teams before 1951 and not all teams had to play a game to advance to the final sixteen teams before 1975. Between 1939 and 1950, there were only 8 teams in the tournament, so all teams can claim an Elite Eight appearance. Between 1951 and 1952, there were sixteen teams in the tournament, so all could claim a Sweet Sixteen appearance. Between 1953 and 1974, participating teams fluctuated from 22 to 25 teams and some received byes to the Sweet Sixteen. Between 1975 and 1984, all teams were required to play at least one game before the Sweet Sixteen, and since 1985 all teams are required to play at least two games.