Amanda Braun Named Chair of NCAA D-I Women’s Basketball Committee
BREAKING: Amanda Braun has just been appointed as the chair of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, marking a significant milestone in her career. The former standout athlete from Brodhead High School is set to lead the committee as it prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Braun, who currently serves as the Director of Athletics at UW-Milwaukee, expressed her excitement about this role, stating, “It’s a pretty desirable position, and so I’m really proud to be a part of it.” This announcement comes during a transformative time for women’s basketball, highlighting the increasing prominence of the sport.
The committee is tasked with evaluating teams throughout the season, culminating in the selection and seeding of the 68 teams for the NCAA tournament from March 11-16, 2026, in Indianapolis. Braun emphasized the gravity of this responsibility: “We want to get it right for all the teams that work so hard all year,” she said. “It’s splitting hairs.”
Braun’s journey began in Brodhead, Wisconsin, where she excelled both academically and athletically, earning recognition as a two-time first-team selection on the Beloit Daily News All-Area Girls Basketball Team. She graduated summa cum laude from Siena College in 1995, where she played Division I basketball despite facing significant injuries.
Her career path shifted while studying law at Duke University, leading her to a master’s degree in athletic administration. Braun has held various positions, including Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Northeastern University, before returning to Wisconsin. She is now in her 13th year at UWM and was named the NCAA Division I Nike Executive of the Year in 2023.
As chair, Braun will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s collegiate basketball. She is determined to utilize sophisticated data and team evaluations to ensure the selection process is fair and accurate. “It’s pretty sophisticated data — the wins above bubble, the NET ranking,” she explained, underscoring her commitment to transparency in the selection process.
Braun’s term on the committee will conclude at the Women’s Final Four, scheduled for April 3-5, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. She stated, “I am thrilled and honored and humbled to be a part of this,” but also acknowledged her readiness for a break after a decade of NCAA committee work.
This news not only highlights Braun’s remarkable career but also reflects the increasing recognition and support for women’s sports at the collegiate level. As the committee gears up for the season, all eyes will be on Braun to lead with integrity and insight.
Stay tuned for more updates on Amanda Braun’s impactful role in NCAA women’s basketball as the season progresses. Share this news to spread the word about this significant development in collegiate athletics!
