The college basketball season is coming to an end, and that means March Madness is just around the corner. This time of year features the NCAA tournaments for both men and women, which draw significant attention from sports fans across the country.
For those who may not be familiar with the excitement of this event, March Madness refers to the thrilling upsets, dramatic plays, and unforgettable moments that occur during the postseason tournaments. The competition kicks off with teams battling it out within their conferences. A single misstep can mean that a team is “on the bubble,” risking their chance of making it to the NCAA Tournament.
The journey culminates in a celebrated moment when a school is declared the champion, often highlighted by the emotional rendition of “One Shining Moment” played at the conclusion. The first NCAA Tournament took place in 1939 with only eight men’s teams, but today’s tournament has expanded to include 68 teams through a series of single-elimination rounds.
The ladies joined the excitement in 1981 when the NCAA added the women’s tournament, following the same structure as the men’s competition. Both finals typically occur on the same weekend but in different locations, showcasing the talent across all levels of college basketball.
Selection for the tournaments is handled by a committee of 12 members who evaluate, seed, and arrange the teams into brackets divided into four regions: Midwest, East, South, and West, aiming for a balanced competition throughout the tournament.
So, why is it called March Madness? The phrase was first coined in 1939 by Henry V. Porter, a high school official in Illinois. It wasn’t until 1982 that the term became widely associated with college basketball, thanks to CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger.
During March Madness, millions fill out their own brackets, hoping to predict winners in each round. This has turned into a nationwide event that grips workplaces, families, and friends, as they engage in friendly competition to see who can guess correctly. The unpredictability of the tournament is a huge part of its charm, with lower-seeded teams often pulling off surprising victories over higher-seeded rivals.
As for creating the bracket, 31 of the 68 participating teams earn their spots by winning their respective conference tournaments. The remaining 37 teams are selected by that same 12-member committee. Teams are ranked from 1 to 16 in each region based on their performance, and the tournament structure allows for intense matches right from the get-go.
Filling out a perfect bracket is nearly impossible, with odds that are outrageously low. The closest anyone has come to achieving this feat was an Ohio man in 2019 who successfully predicted the Sweet 16. If one were to pull off a flawless bracket, it could lead to significant rewards, as some contests have offered prizes as high as $1 billion.
Fans will be able to watch every game of both the men’s and women’s tournaments live. Coverage will be available across multiple networks, including CBS and ESPN, ensuring everyone can enjoy the action. Selection Sunday, when the brackets are revealed, will take place on March 16.
As March Madness approaches, the excitement and anticipation only grow, reminding us of why college basketball is a beloved American tradition.
