March Madness: A look at its evolution in college basketball

FILE -The March Madness logo is shown on the court during the first half of a men’s college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at…

FILE -The March Madness logo is shown on the court during the first half of a men’s college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 20, 2021. Kansas, Villanova, North Carolina and Duke will play in the first Final Four to take place under the new world of “name, image and likeness” endorsements in college sports. It allows college players to earn money through endorsements. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

by: Andrew Owodunni

Posted: Mar 17, 2023 / 01:34 PM CDT

Updated: Mar 17, 2023 / 01:37 PM CDT

March Madness is one of the most popular annual sporting events in the United States. The tournament, which features the best college basketball teams in the country, has a rich history that dates back over 80 years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of March Madness and how it has evolved into the phenomenon it is today.

The Origins of March Madness

The term “March Madness” was first coined in the 1930s by an Illinois high school official named Henry V. Porter. Porter used the term to describe the excitement and frenzy surrounding the state’s annual high school basketball tournament. The term was later popularized by sportscaster Brent Musburger during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in the 1980s.

The First NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

The first NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was held in 1939 and featured just eight teams. The University of Oregon won the inaugural tournament, which was held in Evanston, Illinois. Over the years, the tournament has grown in size and popularity, with 68 teams now participating.

The Expansion of the Tournament

The tournament expanded to 16 teams in 1951, 32 teams in 1975, and 64 teams in 1985. In 2011, the tournament expanded to its current format of 68 teams, with four “play-in” games held before the first round.

Memorable Moments in March Madness History

March Madness has produced countless memorable moments over the years, from buzzer-beaters and upsets to dominant performances by powerhouse teams. Some of the most iconic moments include:

The “Miracle on Ice” game between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
The Villanova Wildcats’ stunning upset of the Georgetown Hoyas in the 1985 NCAA Championship game.
The Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beating shot to defeat Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA Tournament.
The Butler Bulldogs’ improbable run to the championship game in 2010, coming up just short against Duke.

March Madness has become an integral part of American sports culture, attracting millions of fans and generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to the massive tournament it is today, March Madness has cemented its place as one of the most exciting and unpredictable sporting events in the world.