The annual culmination of the Big Sky Conference men’s and women’s basketball seasons is a single-elimination championship tournament. The winner of this competition receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. For example, a team that may not have performed exceptionally well during the regular season can secure a coveted spot in the national tournament by winning this conference championship.
This event holds significant importance for participating universities, providing not only a pathway to national recognition but also bolstering program prestige and recruiting opportunities. Historically, the tournament has served as a platform for Cinderella stories, with underdogs emerging victorious and capturing the attention of the wider basketball community. The competition fuels intense rivalries and creates memorable moments for fans and student-athletes alike, driving revenue and engagement for the conference.
