Coastal Athletic Association Men's Basketball Tournament
The Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) men's basketball tournament serves as the definitive conference championship for member institutions within the Coastal Athletic Association. Established in its current form in 1980, the tournament determines which team earns the prestigious title of conference champion and secures an automatic bid to the NCAA basketball tournament.
Historically, the conference operated as the ECAC South from the 1979-80 season through the 1984-85 season before transitioning to the identity now recognized by fans and athletes today. Over the decades, the tournament has evolved into a high-stakes event that brings together the top talent from the region.
Key Facts
- Current Champion: UNC Wilmington Seahawks (7 titles)
- Most Championships: Old Dominion Monarchs (8 titles)
- Tournament Format: Single-elimination
- Number of Teams: 14
- Current Venue: CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC
- TV Partner: CBS Sports Network
Tournament Structure and Format
The CAA tournament utilizes a single-elimination format, meaning a single loss results in a team's exit from the competition. To ensure fairness and reward consistency, seeding for the tournament is based strictly on the teams' regular-season records.
The ultimate prize for the winning team is not only the conference trophy but also the automatic qualification for the NCAA tournament, the pinnacle of collegiate basketball.
Venue History and Locations
Since its inception, the tournament has moved across various cities and stadiums to accommodate the growing scale of the event. While the tournament is currently hosted at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC (with a commitment extending through 2027), it has a rich history of regional hosting.
Past venues include the Richmond Coliseum, which hosted the event for over two decades, and the Hampton Coliseum, which served as a primary site during the early 1980s and late 1980s.
| Stadium | Location | Years Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| CareFirst Arena | Washington, DC | 2020, 2022–2027 |
| Atlantic Union Bank Center | Harrisonburg, VA | 2021 |
| North Charleston Coliseum | North Charleston, SC | 2017–2019 |
| Royal Farms Arena | Baltimore, MD | 2014–2016 |
| Richmond Coliseum | Richmond, VA | 1990–2013 |
| Hampton Coliseum | Hampton, VA | 1980–1981, 1987–1989 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team has won the most CAA championships?
The Old Dominion Monarchs hold the record for the most championships, with a total of 8 titles.
Who is the current champion of the tournament?
The UNC Wilmington Seahawks are the current champions, having secured 7 titles in total.
How many teams participate in the tournament?
The tournament currently features 14 teams.
What is the significance of winning the tournament?
The winner is declared the conference champion and receives an automatic bid to compete in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Where is the tournament currently held?
The tournament is currently held at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC.