# Conference USA Tournament
Who / What
The **Conference USA Tournament** is an annual postseason college basketball competition held by the athletic conference of the same name. It serves as a regional championship for member schools, determining their representatives in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament (March Madness). The tournament also provides a platform for high-seeded teams to advance based on regular-season performance.
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Background & History
The **Conference USA** was founded in 1995 as an athletic conference for universities primarily located in the southeastern and midwestern United States. Originally created as part of the NCAA’s restructuring of major collegiate conferences, it initially included schools from states like Texas, Florida, and Kentucky. The tournament itself emerged as a key event within the conference’s tradition of postseason play, evolving alongside other regional tournaments (e.g., Big East, Atlantic 10) to determine NCAA Tournament berths.
Key milestones include:
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Why Notable
The Conference USA Tournament holds significance as a stepping stone for teams aiming to reach the NCAA Tournament, particularly for mid-major programs that may lack strong regional support. Historically, it has produced multiple Final Four and Elite Eight appearances, with standout players (e.g., former conference stars) often drawing attention. The tournament also reflects broader trends in college basketball, such as the rise of "bubble teams" and the competitive balance between power conferences and mid-major leagues.
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In the News
As of recent years, the Conference USA Tournament has gained relevance due to shifting NCAA rules (e.g., expanded bracket sizes) and the growing influence of mid-major programs in college basketball. The tournament’s role in determining NCAA Tournament seeding has become more prominent, with teams like **Troy University** or **Western Kentucky** frequently making headlines for their performances. Additionally, its alignment with other regional tournaments (e.g., Sun Belt, Horizon League) highlights evolving dynamics within Division I basketball.
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Key Facts
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