As the chill of February fades, the excitement of March Madness begins to bubble, heralding one of the most anticipated events in college basketball. The NCAA tournament kicks off with the First Four, a precursor that narrows the field from 68 to 64 teams, ensuring every spot is fiercely contested.

What is the First Four?

The First Four consists of four intense, single-elimination games that determine which teams will advance to the first round of the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments. This initial phase sees a blend of passion, strategy, and sheer will, as teams fight to keep their championship dreams alive.

Selection and Structure

Teams are selected by the NCAA committee, comprising 31 automatic qualifiers and 37 at-large bids, adjusting to 32 and 36 respectively in 2026 with the return of the Pac-12 conference. This selection process ensures a diverse and competitive tournament lineup.

Historical Impact

Since its inception in the 2000-01 NCAA season, the First Four has been a critical juncture in the tournament. Notably, teams like VCU in 2011 and UCLA in 2021, both No. 11 seeds, leveraged their First Four victories to propel themselves to the Final Four, showcasing the potential for Cinderella stories.

Significance in Women’s Basketball

The inclusion of the First Four in the women's tournament since 2021 has leveled the playing field, offering equal opportunities for thrilling upsets and memorable performances, such as Mississippi State’s victorious run in 2023.

For comprehensive coverage and updates, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the ESPN men's college basketball hub and ESPN women's college basketball hub, your go-to sources for all things NCAA basketball.