Big Ten basketball fans, get ready for a slightly more streamlined conference tournament in 2026. While the new format isn't entirely straightforward, it does offer some simplifications compared to last year's setup.
The Big Ten men's basketball tournament is set to tip off from March 10-15 at the iconic United Center in Chicago. This year, all 18 teams in the conference will be part of the action, a jump from the 15 teams that participated in 2025 and the 14 in 2024. The top four seeds will enjoy triple byes, a significant advantage in this single-elimination showdown.
For teams at the lower end of the standings, this format guarantees participation, a relief after last season when not every team made the cut. However, the stakes remain high for those eyeing the smoothest path to the conference title and that coveted NCAA Tournament auto-bid.
The Michigan Wolverines, currently ranked No. 3, are the favorites to clinch the regular-season conference title, which would secure them the No. 1 seed and a triple-bye. Chasing them are six formidable contenders, including the No.
13 Michigan State Spartans, locked in a three-way tie for third with No. 8 Purdue and No.
10 Nebraska.
Curious about how it all works? Here’s your guide to the new-look Big Ten tournament:
Dates and Location
- Dates: March 10-15
- Location: United Center, Chicago
Broadcast Information
The tournament will be broadcast across several channels and streaming platforms, with the Big Ten Network taking center stage.
- March 10: Peacock (two games)
- March 11: Peacock (two games), Big Ten Network (two games)
- March 12: Big Ten Network (four games)
- March 13: Big Ten Network (quarterfinals, four games)
- March 14: CBS (semifinals, two games)
- March 15: CBS (finals)
For those streaming, games on the Big Ten Network and CBS will be available on Fubo.
Tournament Format
The 18-team single-elimination bracket kicks off with the No. 15-18 seeds battling it out on March 10. The No. 9-14 seeds, enjoying a bye, will face off on March 11.
The No. 5-8 seeds, with a double-bye advantage, take the court on March 12. Winners advance to face the top four seeds on March 13, who have the luxury of a triple-bye.
The semifinals are set for March 14 on CBS, culminating in the final on March 15, right before the NCAA Tournament reveal. It’s a thrilling six days of basketball with 17 games to crown a champion.
Tiebreakers for Seeding
In the event of ties in the regular-season standings, the Big Ten employs the following tiebreakers:
- Head-to-head record, considering winning percentages for ties involving more than two teams.
- Record against the highest-ranked teams in the conference.
- Won-loss percentage against all Division 1 opponents (D1 strength of schedule).
- Previous week's NET rating.
This tournament promises to be a basketball spectacle, with every team having a shot at glory. Let the games begin!