Before the spring flowers bloom, we plant ourselves on the couch to watch college basketball's most anticipated tournament -- March Madness.
The elimination-style bracket features 68 of the nation's best with half receiving NCAA tournament automatic bids. So, how do they decide who gets the March Madness automatic bids? And which teams have earned one for 2023?
What Are Automatic Bids For March Madness?
There are 32 automatic bids to be handed out annually, divided between the 32 divisions in college basketball. At the end of the regular season, programs battle on the court during their respective conference tournaments that are played over a week span. The winner of the conference tournament punches their ticket and is awarded one of the automatic bids and a chance to fight for the National Championship.
Teams are seeded in these tournaments based on regular season records. As expected, the better your record then the higher you will be seeded and will receive a bye through one or two rounds. This is a massive bonus because any chance for extra rest and preparation can lend a hand in getting you a coveted automatic bid. Division 1 conference tournaments are wrapping up this weekend, with selection Sunday scheduled for March 12. Once the brackets are set, you'll be able to place your tournament picks!
march Madness Automatic Bids 2023
| Conference | Automatic Bid | Championship Date |
|---|---|---|
| America East | Vermont | March 11, 11 a.m. ET |
| American Athletic | Memphis | March 12, 3:15 p.m. ET |
| Atlantic 10 | VCU | March 12, 1 p.m. ET |
| ACC | Duke | March 11, 8:30 p.m. ET |
| ASUN | Kennesaw State | March 5, 3 p.m. ET |
| Big 12 | Texas | March 11, 6 p.m. ET |
| Big East | Marquette | March 11, 6:30 p.m. ET |
| Big Sky | Montana State | March 8, 11:30 p.m. ET |
| Big South | UNC-Asheville | March 5, 1 p.m. ET |
| Big Ten | Purdue | March 12, 3:30 p.m. ET |
| Big West | UC Santa Barbara | March 11, 9:30 p.m. ET |
| CAA | College of Charleston | March 7, 7 p.m. ET |
| Conference USA | Florida Atlantic | March 11, 8:30 p.m. ET |
| Horizon League | Northern Kentucky | March 7, 7 p.m. ET |
| Ivy League | Princeton | March 12, 12 p.m. ET |
| MAAC | Iona | March 11, 7:30 p.m. ET |
| MAC | Toledo | March 11, 7:30 p.m. ET |
| MEAC | Howard | March 11, 1 p.m. ET |
| Missouri Valley | Drake | March 5, 2 p.m. ET |
| Mountain West | San Diego State | March 11, 6 p.m. ET |
| Northeast | Fairleigh Dickinson | March 7, 7 p.m. ET |
| Ohio Valley | Southeast Missouri State | March 4, 8 p.m. ET |
| Pac-12 | Arizona | March 11, 10:30 p.m. ET |
| Patriot League | Colgate | March 8, 7:30 p.m. ET |
| SEC | Alabama | March 12, 1 p.m. ET |
| Southern | Furman | March 6, 7 p.m. ET |
| Southland | Texas A&M - Corpus Christi | March 8, 5 p.m. ET |
| SWAC | Texas Southern | March 11, 5:30 p.m. ET |
| Summit League | Oral Roberts | March 7, 9 p.m. ET |
| Sun Belt | Louisiana | March 6, 7 p.m. ET |
| West Coast | Gonzaga | March 7, 9 p.m. ET |
| WAC | Grand Canyon | March 11,11:30 p.m. ET |
Automatic Bids FAQ
What Is A March Madness Automatic Bid?
An automatic bid is awarded to the 32 champions from the conference tournaments in college basketball. The automatic bid will earn the team a guaranteed spot in the March Madness tournament, which features 68 teams in an elimination-style bracket tournament.
What Is Selection Sunday For March Madness?
Selection Sunday is a broadcast once all conference tournaments have been accounted for. During the selection show, all 68 teams for the upcoming March Madness will be announced and the bracket will be revealed. Once the bracket is set, take a peek at our KenPom Ratings to look at the round-robin from a novice bettor perspective.
How Does A Team Get An Automatic Bid?
Win. If a group wants to secure their automatic bid to March Madness, they need to win their respective conference tournament. This will be easier to do if they carry a solid regular season record, which will seed them higher in the conference tournament and give them byes through one or two rounds. Keep in mind, winning a conference championship will not alter March Madness seeding.
