Which team has won the most Big Ten Basketball Tournaments?

This week, eyes across the nation will be on the Big Ten Basketball Tournament in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Teams such as Purdue and Illinois will be looking to round into form for what they hope are deep runs in the NCAA Tournament while Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State all have work to do to feel safe on Selection Sunday.

Some traditionalists may not like the idea of conference tournaments deciding NCAA Tournament bids. That was a cause championed by former Indiana head coach Bob Knight who loathed the advent of conference tournaments.

However, there is no denying that these events bring drama and excitement to the end of the season. That should be the case again this week when the Big Ten holds what is annually one of the most prestigious events in the nation.

The conference was a bit slower than some in implementing a postseason tournament. The first Big Ten Tournament was held in 1998 in Chicago and since then, the event has been held every year except for 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation.

In all seven schools have won the event. Interstingly, each university that has claimed the title has done so at least twice in the event's history.

Michigan State leads the way with six championships. The Spartans also have one runner-up finish.

Meanwhile, Ohio State has cut down the nets four times. Interestingly, they could have easily won the tournament more often with five second-place finishes.

Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin each have won the Big Ten Tournament three times. The most recent was 2022 when the Hawkeyes claimed the crown by beating Purdue in Indianapolis.

Speaking of Purdue, they have won the title twice, including last season. They are also the prohibitive favorites to win it again this season.

Michigan has two Big Ten Tournament wins as well. If they hope to get into the NCAA Tournament this year, the Wolverines will need to claim the event for the third time, though. Also, some may say that Michigan has already won the event three times but its 1998 title was erased because of NCAA sanctions.

This year, the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament runs from March 13-17 and it will be held at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The first round will be broadcast on Peacock while the second round and quarterfinal round games on Thursday and Friday will be broadcast on The Big Ten Network, as well as on the FOX Sports app. The Big Ten Tournament semifinal and championship games will be televised live on CBS and the Paramount+ app.

All-time Big Ten Tournament Wins by School