The structure that organizes postseason competition in men’s and women’s basketball within a specific athletic conference determines which teams will compete for the conference championship and an automatic bid to the national tournament. This structure commonly involves seeding teams based on their regular season performance, then arranging them in a single-elimination format where winning teams advance and losing teams are eliminated. An example of this process occurs annually within the Big Sky Conference.
The significance of this competition lies in its ability to provide a pathway for teams to reach the national stage, regardless of their regular season record. Success within the conference tournament can elevate a program’s profile and provide significant financial benefits through increased media exposure and potential participation in the national tournament. Historically, such tournaments have served as pivotal moments, shaping narratives and creating opportunities for upsets and Cinderella stories.