Announcement: Mark Pope’s Plan to Fix College Basketball’s Growing Problem
Kentucky basketball head coach Mark Pope has unveiled a bold vision to reshape the landscape of college basketball: expanding the season to 40 games. With the sport evolving at a rapid pace—thanks to NIL deals, revenue sharing, and conference realignments—Pope believes a longer season could improve the experience for players, fans, and programs alike. His plan aims to address growing concerns while enhancing the competitiveness and entertainment value of college basketball.
In his proposal, Pope highlighted the value of multi-team events (MTEs) like the Maui Invitational. These tournaments, he argues, provide invaluable early-season challenges against top-tier teams, giving programs a chance to test their mettle. More importantly, MTEs create thrilling matchups for fans while offering a unique opportunity for players to bond. “Maui is an unbelievable experience to grow your team,” Pope stated, acknowledging how the intense competition at these events accelerates player development and builds camaraderie. Such experiences are integral to a successful season, according to Pope.
However, Pope recognizes the complexity of his proposal and the potential trade-offs involved. “It’s not a standalone prospect,” Pope explained. While he sees the merits of a longer season, he also understands that there are other crucial factors—like player health, academic schedules, and financial concerns—that must be taken into account. Still, Pope’s solution remains firm: extend the season to 40 games, with a flexible approach to how those games are structured.
The coach suggested that up to six of these games could be preseason or exhibition matchups. This would give teams the flexibility to play more games in unique settings, like special league events, without stretching their players too thin during the regular season. By doing so, teams would have more opportunities for home games, potentially increasing revenue and supporting program growth. Pope believes this would create a win-win situation for everyone involved.
While the NCAA and other stakeholders would need to weigh the practical implications of such an expansion, Pope’s vision could have a lasting impact on how college basketball is played and consumed. With more games and a broader calendar, fans would see more action, and players would have more opportunities for growth. Ultimately, Pope sees the proposed 40-game season as a way to enhance college basketball’s relevance and excitement in an era of rapid change.
