The New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) is exploring a new method for selecting playoff brackets for high school basketball and other sports, according to discussions reported in local media. The proposed change aims to address concerns about fairness and competitiveness in postseason qualification.
As of May 2026, the NMAA has not finalized any new system, but officials have indicated that a revised format could be implemented as early as the 2026-2027 school year. The association is considering factors such as district performance, overall record, and strength of schedule to determine playoff seeding.
The potential change has sparked debate among coaches, athletic directors, and parents across the state. Some argue that the current system, which relies heavily on district standings, may not accurately reflect a team's overall strength. Others worry that a new method could complicate the selection process.
No official vote has been scheduled, but the NMAA plans to gather feedback from member schools before making a decision. The association's board will review proposals in upcoming meetings.
