Get to Know a Mid-Major: Big Sky Conference

The Big Sky Conference, a coalition of 10 athletic programs based primarily in the Western United States, is currently entering the final stages of its basketball regular season as it prepares for 'Starch Madness' in Boise, Idaho, this March to determine which teams will secure automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. The conference, which includes full members such as Montana, Montana State, and Weber State, utilizes a unique tournament format that guarantees postseason participation for all 10 schools while strictly incentivizing regular-season performance. With the 2024 postseason approaching, the conference aims to shed its status as a single-bid league and showcase the depth of mid-major talent often overshadowed by the larger Power 6 conferences. Under the Big Sky’s specific tournament structure, the top six schools in the standings receive a direct bye into the quarterfinals, effectively skipping a preliminary play-in round. The remaining four programs—seeds seven through ten—must compete in an opening elimination bracket to earn their spot in the main tournament field. This system creates a high-stakes environment during February, as teams scramble to avoid the bottom tier and secure the tactical advantage of a rested roster. The highest-seeded teams are further rewarded by facing the lowest remaining seeds, theoretically smoothing their path to the title game. While the conference features affiliate members for specific sports like football and golf, the basketball identity of the Big Sky remains concentrated within its ten core institutions. Historically, the conference operates as a 'one-bid league' in the context of March Madness, meaning the winner of the Starch Madness tournament is typically the only representative to advance to the national stage. As of early February, the standings remain highly competitive, with programs fighting not just for the championship trophy, but for the rare opportunity to act as a 'Cinderella' story on the national collegiate stage.