INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA has concluded that a 96-team field would be the best fit if it expands the men's basketball tournament.

The organization has looked at expansion for years and seems to have zeroed in on a 96-team format. It would be played in the same time frame as the current model and would include first-round byes for 32 teams.

NCAA vice president Greg Shaheen said Thursday that the proposal has not be ratified. It depends in part on whether the NCAA or CBS opt out of their current $6 billion television deal.

The NCAA also looked at keeping the current 65-team format and expanding to 68 or 80 teams.

The proposal would only cover the men's tournament. A separate committee is looking at the women's tournament.