The NCAA will require player availability reports for the first time in this year's men's and women's basketball tournaments. Teams must submit initial reports by 9 p.m. local time the night before games and provide updates two hours before tipoff. The new policy designates players as available, questionable (up to 75% chance of playing), or out.

This marks the NCAA's first use of such reporting for championships, with the basketball tournaments serving as a pilot program for potential expansion to other sports. Several major conferences including the ACC, Big 12, and SEC have already implemented similar systems over the past two seasons. HD Intelligence will serve as the reporting service provider.

Schools face financial penalties for non-compliance: up to $10,000 for a first offense, $25,000 for a second, and $30,000 plus a $10,000 fine for the head coach on a third violation. All penalties will be assessed after the tournaments conclude.