Starting in the next school year of 2024-25, the playoff landscape for UIL athletics will have a new look – beginning with volleyball this fall. The UIL Legislative Council committee approved the proposal on Tuesday that will allow a divisional split in volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball and baseball during the playoffs.
What does that mean?
Nothing will change in the regular season.
If you’re familiar with football – Class 6A remains the only classification that isn’t already split into Division 1 and Division 2. Class 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A are already split into D1 and D2. This new change for the other sports will take the same approach as Class 6A football.
When the football playoffs start, the top four teams in each Class 6A district move on. However, based on enrollment size, the two larger schools go to the D1 bracket while the other two go to the D2 bracket. That’s how the new postseason for volleyball, basketball, etc will look.
Due to the lack of schools in Class 1A, the new rule will not pertain to the smallest classification in volleyball, softball and baseball. Soccer is the only major sport with three classes (6A-5A-4A).
We’ll now see 11 champs in volleyball, softball and baseball. We’ll see 12 champs (like football) in basketball (24 if you count boys and girls) and six champs in soccer (12 if you count boys and girls).
We have yet to confirm, but there are rumors that the postseason will truly look like football – meaning down to six rounds, no regional tournaments for volleyball, basketball and soccer and only the championship games will be held at one venue (no state tournament/final four).
This story will continue to update….
What are your thoughts?
