**The Ultimate Guide to the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament**

Introduction:

Every March, the best women's basketball teams on the West Coast gather to compete for the prestigious Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament championship. The tournament is a single-elimination affair, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

History and Evolution:

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament was first held in 1987, when the conference was known as the Pacific-10 (Pac-10). The tournament has undergone several expansions and format changes over the years, with the addition of Utah and Colorado in 2011 and the rebranding to Pac-12 in 2012.

Tournament Format:

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament follows a single-elimination bracket format, with the top four seeds receiving a first-round bye. The remaining eight teams compete in first-round games, with the winners advancing to the quarterfinals. The semifinals and final are held at a predetermined neutral site.

First Round:

• 8th Seed vs. 9th Seed
• 7th Seed vs. 10th Seed
• 6th Seed vs. 11th Seed
• 5th Seed vs. 12th Seed

Quarterfinals:

• Winner of 8th/9th Seed Game vs. 1st Seed
• Winner of 7th/10th Seed Game vs. 2nd Seed
• Winner of 6th/11th Seed Game vs. 3rd Seed
• Winner of 5th/12th Seed Game vs. 4th Seed

Semifinals:

• Winner of Quarterfinal 1 vs. Winner of Quarterfinal 2
• Winner of Quarterfinal 3 vs. Winner of Quarterfinal 4

Final:

• Winner of Semifinal 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal 2

Past Champions:

Since its inception, the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament has been dominated by a few select programs:

• Stanford: 13 championships
• UCLA: 6 championships
• Arizona: 5 championships
• USC: 4 championships
• Washington: 2 championships
• Oregon: 1 championship

Notable Performers:

Over the years, the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament has showcased some of the most talented players in the country:

• Candace Parker (Tennessee): 2006 Most Outstanding Player
• Nneka Ogwumike (Stanford): 2011-12 Most Outstanding Player
• Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon): 2019 Most Outstanding Player
• Charli Collier (Texas): 2020 Most Outstanding Player
• Lexie Hull (Stanford): 2022 Most Outstanding Player

Impact on the NCAA Tournament:

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament is a major factor in determining which teams receive bids to the NCAA Tournament. According to the NCAA, since 2011, the Pac-12 has received between 4 and 7 bids to the NCAA Tournament each year, with the automatic bid going to the tournament champion.

Future of the Tournament:

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament is poised for continued success in the future. With a competitive field of teams and a passionate fan base, the tournament is expected to remain a staple of the West Coast sports landscape.

Tips for Attending the Tournament:

• Purchase tickets early: Tickets to the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament tend to sell out quickly, especially for the later rounds.
• Book hotel accommodations: If you are traveling for the tournament, book your hotel accommodations in advance to secure a room near the venue.
• Plan your transportation: Determine your transportation options to and from the venue, as parking can be limited.
• Arrive early: Arrive at the arena early to secure a good seat and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere.
• Bring noise makers: Cheer on your favorite team with noise makers such as cowbells, clappers, and pom-poms.

FAQs:

1. When and where is the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament held?

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament is typically held in March at a predetermined neutral site. Past host cities have included Las Vegas, Nevada; Seattle, Washington; and San Jose, California.

2. How many teams participate in the tournament?

12 teams participate in the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament, including the top 11 teams in the regular season standings plus one additional team from the bottom half of the standings.

3. How much do tickets to the tournament cost?

Ticket prices for the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament vary depending on the round of the tournament and the seat location. Typically, tickets start at around $20 for first-round games and can reach over $100 for premium seats in the championship game.

4. Can I watch the tournament on TV?

Yes, the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament is televised on the Pac-12 Network and ESPN family of networks.

5. Who are the favorites to win the tournament this year?

Stanford, UCLA, Arizona, and Oregon are typically among the favorites to win the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament.

6. How many automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament does the Pac-12 receive?

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

7. What is the prize money for winning the tournament?

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament champion receives a portion of the NCAA Tournament revenue, which is distributed among all participating teams.

8. What is the history of the Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament?

The Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament was first held in 1987, when the conference was known as the Pacific-10 (Pac-10). The tournament has undergone several expansions and format changes over the years, including the addition of Utah and Colorado in 2011 and the rebranding to Pac-12 in 2012.

Additional Resources:

• Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament Website: https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball-tournament
• NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Website: https://www.ncaa.com/womens-basketball/spring-championship
• ESPN Women's Basketball Coverage: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball

Tables:

Table 1: Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament Champions

Table 2: Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Players