The annual culminating event of the Big Sky Conference men’s and women’s college basketball season determines which teams will represent the conference in the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. Success in this tournament provides an automatic bid, bypassing the need for an at-large selection.
This competition holds significant importance for member institutions, offering national exposure and the opportunity to compete on a larger stage. Historically, the tournament has provided thrilling upsets and memorable performances, contributing to the narrative of college basketball as a whole and providing an avenue for smaller schools to gain national recognition. The resulting NCAA tournament appearance can elevate a program’s recruiting profile and generate substantial revenue.