History of WAC women's basketball tournament in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 7, 2026

The WAC women's basketball tournament is the annual championship tournament for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in women's basketball, held every year since 1991. Initially hosted by the regular-season champion, it transitioned to larger urban venues before returning to campus locations. Since 2011, the tournament has been held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

1991: Inaugural WAC Women's Basketball Tournament

In 1991, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) held its first postseason tournament to determine the women's basketball champion. Initially, the regular season champion hosted the event.

2011: WAC Tournament Relocation to Orleans Arena

In 2011, the WAC women's basketball tournament was moved to the Orleans Arena, located within the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

2018: California Baptist's Transition from NCAA Division II

In 2018, California Baptist began its transition from NCAA Division II, which affected its eligibility for NCAA-sponsored postseason play.

2021: California Baptist's NCAA Tournament Ineligibility

In 2021, California Baptist was ineligible for NCAA-sponsored postseason play because the program was transitioning from NCAA Division II.

2021: California Baptist's WAC Tournament Win and NCAA Ineligibility

In 2021, California Baptist won the WAC tournament but was ineligible for the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament due to the school's transition from NCAA Division II to Division I.

2022: California Baptist's Eligibility for NCAA Postseason Play

As of 2022, California Baptist was still not eligible for NCAA-sponsored postseason play due to its ongoing transition from NCAA Division II, and wouldn't be eligible until the 2022-23 season.

2023: New Seeding System Based on Advanced Team Metrics

Starting with the 2023 tournament, the WAC adopted a new seeding system based on advanced team metrics, developed in large part by statistical guru Ken Pomeroy. Tournament entry will still be based on conference record.