The NCAA has officially announced the chairs for the 2026-27 Division I men's and women's basketball committees. Martin Newton, the athletic director at Samford University, will lead the men's committee, while Liz Darger, senior associate athletic director at BYU, will head the women's committee.

Leadership Backgrounds

• Martin Newton: Newton has a rich history in basketball, having played for Samford in the early 1980s. He has also served on the Division I Council and the Men's Basketball Oversight Committee. Newton will serve as vice chair for the upcoming season, supporting Sun Belt Conference commissioner and 2025-26 chair Keith Gill.

• Liz Darger: Darger brings extensive experience from her six years as an assistant coach at Utah Valley before transitioning to sports administration at BYU in 2015. She has been the vice chair for the women's committee this year and will take over from Milwaukee athletic director Amanda Braun.

Strategic Changes

The NCAA also revealed a new strategy to announce the top 16 seeds for the women's tournament the day before Selection Sunday. This change aims to provide host sites with more time to prepare for tournament operations. The top 16 seeds will be listed in alphabetical order, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

Implications for the Future

This leadership transition and strategic announcement signify the NCAA's commitment to enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the Division I basketball tournaments. Both Newton and Darger are poised to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to their respective roles, promising an exciting future for NCAA basketball.