# American Athletic Conference Tournament
Who / What
The **American Athletic Conference Tournament** refers to the postseason athletic competition held by the American Athletic Conference (AAC), an NCAA Division I conference that includes universities primarily in the southeastern United States. It encompasses both men's and women's basketball tournaments, as well as other sports like football, soccer, and track & field.
Background & History
The **American Athletic Conference** was founded in 2010 as a successor to the Big East Conference, which dissolved after the NCAA’s decision to expand college football’s playoff system. The AAC initially included teams from New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, but later expanded its footprint to include schools primarily in the Southeast, such as Texas Tech, Temple, and Cincinnati. Key milestones include the first **AAC Men's Basketball Tournament** held in 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, which has since become a major college basketball event. The conference also hosts football tournaments (since 2014) and other postseason competitions.
Why Notable
The tournament holds significance as one of the most competitive and well-attended NCAA Division I postseason events, particularly in basketball. It attracts high-profile matchups between top-ranked teams and has grown into a major draw for fans, media, and broadcasting rights deals. The AAC’s football tournament, held annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, is also notable for its strong fan engagement and cultural impact.
In the News
As of recent years, the American Athletic Conference Tournament remains relevant due to its role in shaping NCAA Division I basketball and football landscapes. The conference has faced challenges balancing expansion with tradition, but its tournaments continue to draw attention from media outlets, fans, and sports analysts. Recent developments include increased emphasis on digital engagement and streaming rights negotiations, further cementing its place among major college sports conferences.
