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Sion Student Media
News and Publications of Notre Dame de Sion

Sion Student Media
News and Publications of Notre Dame de Sion

Sion Student Media

THE HISTORY OF MARCH MADNESS

For years, fans across the country have been overjoyed as they start filling out their brackets and wait for the games to begin.
Lauren Haggerty, Reporter • Mar 1, 2024
PHOTO | Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Apr. 3, 2021, Reggie Chaney of the Houston Cougars and Flo Thamba of the Baylor Bears compete for the opening tip-off during the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Bears beat the Cougars 78-59. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Basketball, born in the US in 1891, quickly captured hearts worldwide after its creation at the International Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) by James Naismith. Its popularity surged, leading to the establishment of governing bodies for college basketball.

In 1939, the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament debuted, known colloquially as “March Madness.” This tournament, held in March and April, crowns the national champion in Division I college basketball, earning its nickname from the frenzy it ignites among fans.

Starting with just eight teams in 1939, the tournament expanded gradually. By 1985, it adopted the modern format of a 64-team event, later adding a play-in game in 2001 and three more teams in 2011.

Television deals mirrored the tournament’s soaring popularity, with CBS and Turner Broadcasting System offering $10.8 billion in 2011. This surge in income was fueled by the tournament’s appeal, especially with early-round games broadcast on ESPN, known for their potential for underdog upsets.

 

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Although the term “March Madness” was coined in 1939, it gained traction during the 1982 tournament when CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger used it. Since then, it’s been synonymous with the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.

Since its inception, there have been 83 editions of March Madness, evolving from its initial format to the current 68-team setup. The only interruption occurred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UCLA stands as the most successful team in March Madness history, clinching 11 titles. Their dominance peaked between 1963 and 1975, securing ten championships, including a remarkable seven consecutive victories from 1967 to 1973. However, they haven’t won a title since 1995.

In 2024, 68 teams were selected, seeded and placed in the NCAA bracket by the NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Committee.

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About the Contributor
Lauren Haggerty
Lauren Haggerty, Podcast Editor
Lauren Haggerty is a second year staffer and podcast editor. Lauren is a senior this year, and is looking at somewhere on the east coast for college. She has played field hockey all four years at Sion, and wants to experiment with pole vaulting in the spring of her senior year. She loves to spend her free time hanging out with friends, or sitting in her bed watching Tiktok. Lauren also loves to hang out with her four cats George, Cici, Maverick, and Charlie. When she is older she wants to go to law school, and become a divorce lawyer. She hopes to live on the east coast, and have a big house in the Hamptons. This year Lauren is excited for senior spring break in Turks, and to rebrand the podcast with Mary Kate. She is looking forward to all the upcoming issues this year, and to grow in her design plans and photography!!