The NCAA announced today that the National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship field will expand to 12 teams, starting next spring.

The initiative for bracket expansion has been funded and goes into effect for the upcoming 2026 championship, with a 12-team field. The format will consist of four non-predetermined regional sites with three teams competing at each site. Two teams will compete in a regional-round with the third team receiving a bye and will compete against the winner in a regional final-round match. Winners from each of the regional final-round sites will advance to compete at the finals site.

“The AVCA commends the NCAA Committee and all those who worked diligently to bring this expansion to life,” says AVCA CEO Dr. Jaime Gordon. “We are proud to have supported the conversations that helped shape this outcome, which will create greater opportunities for student-athletes and programs nationwide.”

Anthony Holloman, the commissioner of the SIAC, has been selected by the committee to serve as chair, effective September 1.