As the college basketball season draws to a close, fans and sports enthusiasts gear up for one of the most anticipated events in the United States: March Madness. This annual event, consisting of the men’s and women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournaments, captivates millions with its thrilling games and unpredictable outcomes. Whether you’re a seasoned follower of college basketball or new to the excitement, there are several key aspects to understand about March Madness.
March Madness is a term used to describe the exhilarating chaos, surprising upsets, and memorable highlights that characterize the postseason tournaments. Teams begin by competing within their conference tournaments. Success here is crucial, as faltering can place a team “on the bubble,” jeopardizing their chance to participate in the NCAA Tournament. Eventually, the ultimate winner claims the championship, celebrated with the airing of the iconic “One Shining Moment.”
The inception of the NCAA Tournament dates back to 1939, initially featuring just eight men’s teams. Today, the tournament is a massive 68-team contest featuring multiple single-elimination rounds. The women’s tournament, introduced to the NCAA championship system in 1981, follows a similar structure. Both men’s and women’s championship games typically occur on the same weekend, but in separate locations.
A 12-member NCAA committee is responsible for selecting and seeding the teams, which are divided into four regions: Midwest, East, South, and West. The committee aims to ensure balanced competition across all regions. The bracket formation, known as Selection Sunday, takes place the Sunday before the tournament kicks off.
The phrase “March Madness” emerged from high school sports in Illinois, used by Henry V. Porter in 1939, and was later associated with college basketball by CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger in 1982. The tournament’s rounds are known by distinctive names such as the First Four, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and the famous Final Four.
The excitement surrounding March Madness brackets stems from the nationwide participation of millions who fill out predictions, guessing the winners of each round. This annual event becomes a cultural phenomenon, engaging people in offices, homes, and friend groups alike. A significant element of its popularity is its unpredictability, as lower-seeded teams frequently upset higher-seeded ones, leading to unexpected twists.
The selection and seeding of teams are crucial components of the tournament. Automatic qualification is granted to 31 teams that win their conference tournaments, while 37 additional teams are chosen by the committee. Teams are seeded from 1 to 16 within each region, with the top seed facing the bottom seed. In 2011, the tournament expanded from 64 to 68 teams and introduced the First Four round, which determines the final contenders for the main bracket.
Creating a perfect bracket is an extraordinary feat that no one has accomplished. The closest attempt occurred in 2019 when an individual predicted the tournament correctly up to the Sweet 16. A perfect bracket can be highly rewarding; for example, Warren Buffett once pledged $1 billion to any Berkshire Hathaway employee who managed the feat.
For those eager to watch the tournament unfold, every game will be broadcast live. The men’s tournament is available on CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV, and digital platforms like Paramount+. CBS is responsible for airing the Final Four and national title game. Meanwhile, ESPN networks and streaming services, with select games on ABC, will cover the women’s tournament. Selection Sunday is scheduled for March 16, preceding the First Four and starting at 6 p.m. ET.
