Here’s an in-depth look at the NCAA’s growing momentum toward shifting men’s college basketball from two 20-minute halves to four quarters:
—
## What’s Driving the Push?
**1. Aligning with other basketball formats**
Men’s college basketball currently stands alone in using halves. All other major levels—NBA, WNBA, international (FIBA), even high school in many states—use quarters. Switching would harmonize the game’s structure across the board ([on3.com][1], [aseaofblue.com][2]).
**2. Cleaner momentum resets & foul management**
In a quarter system, team fouls reset every 10 minutes rather than accumulating over a half. This eliminates the drag caused by extended bonus free-throw periods late in halves, improving game flow and reducing stoppages ([si.com][3]). An ESPN analyst noted it’s “smart… reset team fouls at the end of the first and third quarters” ([the-sun.com][4]).
**3. Broadcast and commercial clarity**
Quarters create natural broadcast breaks, simplifying the scheduling of media time-outs and balancing commercial inventory. Still, the NCAA acknowledges logistical hurdles: TV deals, ad placement, and working these breaks into existing structures ([on3.com][1]).
—
## What’s in Motion?
* **Working group formation:**
The NCAA’s Rules Committee has called for Division I conferences to form a working group to assess the merits and challenges of switching formats. Feedback is expected by next rules cycle ([on3.com][1], [aseaofblue.com][5]).
* **Rule-change timing:**
No immediate switch—this is preparatory. The working group will gather coach and conference insights during the 2025–26 season, with a decision possible later ([reddit.com][6], [si.com][3]).
—
## Other Recent Reforms
These are part of a broader modernization trend:
* **Coach’s challenges:**
Teams will soon get a coach-initiated replay review (out of bounds, goaltending, restricted area), using time-outs and earn-back mechanics for successful challenges ([yardbarker.com][7], [aseaofblue.com][5]).
* **Continuation fouls change:**
Fouled players on a drive can now pivot or complete their step before the whistle—closer to NBA-style freedom ([aseaofblue.com][5]).
* **Other tweaks:**
Officials will crack down on delay tactics, allow Flagrant 1 for groin hits, and treat rim-advantage as interference ([aseaofblue.com][5]).
—
## ✅ Pros & Cons Debate
### ✅ Benefits
* **Flow & rhythm:** Cleaner stops and starts, less bonus-free-throw time.
* **Strategy reset:** Coaches can adjust every quarter; players get built-in respites.
* **Broadcast clarity:** Well-defined breaks help streamline commercials.
### ❌ Concerns
* **Disrupting tradition:** Many fans treasure the unique two-half identity.
* **TV logistics:** Ad timing and deals may need full renegotiation.
* **Statistical continuity:** Some worry about comparing stats (points, records) across eras.
—
## Voices of Support
* **Analysts like Jay Bilas:**
Called quarters “smart” and urged changes—saying the NCAA is “the only game of basketball played in the world that doesn’t have quarters” ([yardbarker.com][7], [reddit.com][6], [the-sun.com][4]).
* **Experts like Dr. John Wooden III:**
Commented that quarters allow “more natural breaks” and better coach game plan management ([si.com][3]).
* **Members of NCAA panel:**
Refer to “positive momentum” and highlight logistics as a challenge to work through ([on3.com][1]).
—
## What Comes Next?
* **2025–26 Season:** Conferences will provide feedback; game trials may be discussed.
* **Post-2025 Timeline:** If hearings go well, announcement in 2026. Possible implementation for 2026–27 season.
* **Widespread adaptation:** Quarters could redefine coaching strategies, broadcast planning, and fan experience. The shot clock was revolutionary in 1985—this could be the next seismic shift ([si.com][3]).
—
### Final Analysis
The NCAA is standing at a turning point. With strong voices in favor and a formal working group underway, quarters may soon replace halves in men’s college basketball. The switch would better align the game with other levels, enhance game flow, and modernize commercial breaks. But it also requires careful handling of tradition, broadcast deals, and statistical comparisons.
As we watch the working group’s findings, fans and coaches should consider: is a quarter system change overdue—or a break from the essence of college hoops?
