midmajors

Midmajors is a label used in American college basketball to describe NCAA Division I programs that compete outside the traditional power conferences and typically operate with smaller budgets, less national media exposure, and fewer resources for recruiting and facilities. The term is informal and its boundaries shift with conference realignments and changing schedules, so it is not an official category.

Programs often labeled mid-major rely on a combination of strong coaching, player development, and efficient systems rather than the vast financial advantages of powerhouse programs. They frequently schedule tough non-conference games to build a résumé for NCAA Tournament consideration and may secure at-large bids or win their leagues to reach the tournament by winning a conference tournament.

Common examples of mid-major conferences include the West Coast Conference, Atlantic 10, Missouri Valley Conference, and Mountain West, as well as other leagues such as the Horizon League and Colonial Athletic Association. While still separate from the traditional power leagues, several mid-major teams have achieved national prominence through deep NCAA Tournament runs or sustained competitive success.

Notable examples of mid-major programs that gained national attention include Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s, Wichita State, Butler, and Loyola Chicago. These programs have challenged higher-profile teams, influencing perceptions of what counts as a mid-major and highlighting the potential for excellence outside the traditional power conferences.

The term is sometimes criticized as implying inferiority, and some prefer descriptors like “non-power conference” or “competitive mid-major.” Nonetheless, midmajors remain a recognized facet of the college basketball landscape, capable of producing top-tier talent and headline-worthy results.