Missouri Basketball's Tougher Schedule, NCAA Expansion

0:00On April 30, Missouri basketball rolled through a light non-conference schedule in the 2025-26 season, facing just four power-conference foes, most. Tied to rivalries, or the ACC-SEC challenge. Coach Dennis Gates stood firm back then, saying he wouldn't overdo it like some teams. Now Gates is flipping the script, eyeing tougher matchups ahead. The big driver? NCAA tournament expansion to 76 teams, expected next season, which drops the risk of losses hurting your chances while big wins still boost your resume. Fans and experts see this as a smart pivot, meshing schedules with the selection committee's new math. Gates stressed at a recent event that even teens below 20 wins could sneak in, so stacking quality games makes sense. Missouri already beefed up with a trip to face market at the United Center in Chicago, plus an ongoing series against Kansas and Illinois. Neutro sites helped their metrics too, and Gates wants more in spots like Kansas City,

1:00or St. Louis. That Kansas rivalry hangs in the balance though. Their 20-26-27 clash in Kansas City wraps a five-year deal. Gates loves the history and fan-fire, but Kansas coach Bill Self-Eyes lucrative options like NIL boosting tournaments. Missouri's AD says, talks are open, and will heat up after next year.