Why Is Kentucky’s Mark Pope Pushing for a Radical Change to College Basketball’s Schedule — And Could It Really Reach 40 Games?
In a bold move that’s already sparking national debate, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is spearheading a campaign to extend the college basketball regular season to 40 games, a radical departure from the current 31-game structure (excluding conference and postseason tournaments). While some coaches and analysts scoff at the idea, Pope isn’t backing down — and his reasoning could shake the very foundation of the sport.
A Vision for Growth
Pope, entering his first full season as Kentucky’s head coach, laid out his proposal in a detailed segment during SEC Media Days, arguing that the current college basketball model is outdated and out of sync with modern sports business realities.
> “We’re asking our programs to compete for national attention in a media landscape dominated by football and the NBA,” Pope said. “If we want to elevate college basketball to its rightful place, we need more product, more stories, more marquee matchups — and that means more games.”
According to Pope, expanding the schedule to 40 games would allow blue-blood programs like Kentucky, Duke, and Kansas — as well as rising mid-majors — to take more chances on high-profile matchups without the fear of damaging their tournament resumes.
Strategic Scheduling and Fan Engagement
Pope’s vision isn’t just about quantity — it’s about strategic scheduling and entertainment value. Under his proposal, teams would be encouraged to participate in more non-conference showcases, rivalry weeks, and national TV doubleheaders throughout the season.
He believes a 40-game season would generate more consistent media coverage, increase NIL opportunities for players, and build momentum that carries from November through March.
> “The NCAA Tournament is the best postseason in sports — but the regular season should matter just as much,” Pope said. “Imagine a Saturday in January with Kentucky vs. Arizona, Gonzaga vs. UConn, and Duke vs. Kansas — every week.”
Addressing Concerns: Player Welfare & Academic Balance
Of course, not everyone is sold. Critics argue that expanding the schedule would create undue strain on student-athletes, both physically and academically. The counterargument? Pope is proposing built-in rest weeks, expanded rosters, and more flexible academic scheduling in collaboration with universities.
> “We’re already sending kids to Europe, to summer circuits, to pro workouts,” Pope said. “With the right infrastructure, we can play 40 games responsibly and give our student-athletes the platform they deserve.”
He also points to the rise of NIL and the transfer portal as reasons why the sport must evolve quickly to keep up with player movement and marketability.
Could It Actually Happen?
While the NCAA hasn’t officially responded to Pope’s proposal, conversations are already brewing behind the scenes, according to multiple reports. TV networks are intrigued, especially as college football’s expansion draws attention away from winter sports.
Some insiders believe the NCAA might pilot a 40-game season with select conferences or exempt tournaments as early as the 2027–28 season — depending on how aggressive programs like Kentucky and others lobby.
If Pope can rally support from other influential coaches and athletic directors, this once-unthinkable idea might become the next seismic shift in college basketball history.
Bottom line: Mark Pope isn’t just trying to win games at Kentucky — he’s trying to reshape the sport’s identity. Whether or not a 40-game season becomes reality, he’s forcing college basketball to ask the hard questions. And in doing so, he might just push it into a new golden era.
