UIL approves split division playoff structure for basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and soccer

The new playoff structure will follow current 6A football model across all sports

No. 1 Barbers Hill wins first-ever UIL Softball State Championship (Copyright (c) 2021 VYPE - All rights reserved)

The playoff structure we’ve come to know from the 6A football championship will now apply to volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, and baseball.

On Tuesday, the University Interscholastic League’s Legislative Council approved a proposal that will allow for split divisions (Division I-II) in the playoffs for 2A-6A volleyball, softball, and baseball, 4A-6A soccer, and 1A-6A basketball.

There will be 2x the number of state champions

The rule change, which its expected to take effect Aug. 1, 2024, will create a Division I and Division II state champion in each class — doubling the amount of state champions in the Texas UIL system.

There will be 24 state champions in basketball (boys & girls), 18 state champions in soccer (boys & girls), and 11 state champions in baseball, softball, and volleyball, respectively.

How will the new structure work?

The top four teams in each district will advance to the playoffs.

To determine divisions, the two schools with the largest enrollment will advance to the Division I playoff bracket, and the other two will advance to the Division II bracket.

The change will also lessen the number of rounds needed to reach the state semifinals by one round.

Read more reporting and watch highlights and full games on the Big Game Coverage page.


About the Authors

Mary Rominger is KSAT 12 Sports' first full-time female sports anchor and reporter. She came to San Antonio from Mankato, Minn., where she worked as a weekend sports anchor at KEYC News Now. She has a journalism degree from Iowa State University and grew up in Southern California. Mary enjoys golfing, sports and finding new spots around town.

Spencer Heath is a Digital Journalist at KSAT. Spencer graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied Radio-Television-Film. He’s worked as a journalist in San Antonio since June of 2022. Outside the newsroom, he enjoys watching movies and spending time with family.

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