TEXAS, USA — Starting this fall, there will be a major adjustment to the playoff structure for UIL-sanctioned sports.
The UIL approved a proposal this week that enacts split divisions (Division I-II) in the playoffs for 2A-6A volleyball, softball, and baseball, 4A-6A soccer, and 1A-6A basketball. This is the structure that has been used for 6A football for years.
The rule change, which is 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 for those affected sports and classifications. There would be 24 state champions in basketball (boys and girls combined), 18 state champions in soccer (boys and girls combined), and 11 state champions in baseball, softball, and volleyball, respectively.
UIL split-division playoff structure: Who goes in Division I and Division II?
Here's how it'll work:
All schools in the conference would remain in their assigned district per the 2024-26 alignment, per the UIL. The top four teams in each district will advance to the playoffs.
To determine the 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.
This change will create one less round needed to advance to the state tournament.
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