The culminating event of the Big Sky Conference men’s and women’s basketball seasons involves a tournament to determine the league’s automatic qualifiers for the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. Success in this tournament is paramount for institutions striving to reach the national stage in college basketball.
This competition provides significant benefits to participating institutions. The victor gains not only automatic entry into the NCAA Tournament, but also increased national exposure, enhanced recruitment opportunities, and potential financial rewards associated with tournament participation. The historical context reveals a competitive environment where underdogs frequently challenge higher-seeded teams, resulting in compelling matchups and unpredictable outcomes. This history establishes a legacy of exciting basketball within the conference.