The Wisconsin Badgers, a formidable NCAA Division I college basketball team, proudly competes in the esteemed Big Ten Conference. Their home court is the Kohl Center, situated on the picturesque University of Wisconsin–Madison campus in Madison, Wisconsin. Boasting 1,683 wins through the 2022–23 season, the Badgers rank among the top 50 all-time in Division I college basketball victories.
Originating in December 1898 under the guidance of the inaugural coach, Dr. James C. Elsom, the Wisconsin Badger basketball legacy began. Despite a humble start, the team has evolved into a perennial force. Currently led by Head Coach Greg Gard in his 9th season, the Badgers continue to uphold their rich tradition in the challenging landscape of college basketball.
Wisconsin College Basketball Championship Wins
Wisconsin's college basketball legacy boasts a noteworthy triumph with a singular National Championship win in 1941. Additionally, the Badgers have clinched three Premo-Porretta National Championships (1912, 1914, 1916) and four Helms Foundation National Championships (1912, 1914, 1916, 1941).
These victories underscore Wisconsin's enduring presence and success in the basketball arena, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's rich history. The Badgers' exceptional achievements in championship games have solidified their reputation as a powerhouse in college basketball, captivating fans and etching their name in the annals of the sport's prestigious accomplishments.
| Championship Type | Number of Wins |
| National Championships | 1 (1941) |
| Premo-Porretta National Championships | 3 (1912, 1914, 1916) |
| Helms Foundation National Championships | 4 (1912, 1914, 1916, 1941) |
When did Wisconsin win the College Basketball Championship?
In 1994, Wisconsin triumphantly returned to the NCAA tournament after a long hiatus since 1947. The Badgers marked their comeback with a significant victory, signaling their resurgence in college basketball. Notably, they secured their first win in the tournament since clinching the championship in 1941.
In subsequent years, Wisconsin demonstrated its prowess on the court, leaving an indelible mark in college basketball history.
How many College Basketball Championship appearances do Wisconsin have?
Wisconsin's presence in the NCAA tournament is formidable, marked by numerous appearances and notable victories. Here's a glimpse of Wisconsin's College Basketball Championship appearances:
The Badgers have appeared in the NCAA tournament 26 times, including a streak of 19 consecutive appearances. Their combined record is 40–25. They were the national champion in 1941.
| Year | Seed | Round | Opponent | Result |
| 1941 | Elite Eight | Dartmouth | W 51–50 | |
| 1941 | Final Four | Pittsburgh | W 36–30 | |
| 1941 | National Championship | Washington State | W 39–34 | |
| 1947 | Elite Eight | CCNY | L 56–70 | |
| 1947 | Regional 3rd Place Game | Navy | W 50–49 | |
| 1994 | #9 | First Round | #8 Cincinnati | W 80–72 |
| 1994 | #9 | Second Round | #1 Missouri | L 96–109 |
| 1997 | #7 | First Round | #10 Texas | L 58–71 |
| 1999 | #5 | First Round | #12 SW Missouri State | L 32–43 |
| 2000 | #8 | First Round | #9 Fresno State | W 66–56 |
| 2000 | #8 | Second Round | #1 Arizona | W 66–59 |
| 2000 | #8 | Sweet Sixteen | #4 LSU | W 61–48 |
| 2000 | #8 | Elite Eight | #6 Purdue | W 64–60 |
| 2000 | #8 | Final Four | #1 Michigan State | L 41–53 |
| 2001 | #6 | First Round | #11 Georgia State | L 49–50 |
| 2002 | #8 | First Round | #9 St. John's | W 80–70 |
| 2002 | #8 | Second Round | #1 Maryland | L 57–87 |
| 2003 | #5 | First Round | #12 Weber State | W 81–74 |
| 2003 | #5 | Second Round | #13 Tulsa | W 61–60 |
| 2003 | #5 | Sweet Sixteen | #1 Kentucky | L 57–63 |
| 2004 | #6 | First Round | #11 Richmond | W 76–64 |
| 2004 | #6 | Second Round | #3 Pittsburgh | L 55–59 |
| 2005 | #6 | First Round | #11 Northern Iowa | W 57–52 |
| 2005 | #6 | Second Round | #14 Bucknell | W 71–62 |
| 2005 | #6 | Sweet Sixteen | #10 NC State | W 65–56 |
| 2005 | #6 | Elite Eight | #1 North Carolina | L 82–88 |
| 2006 | #9 | First Round | #8 Arizona | L 75–94 |
| 2007 | #2 | First Round | #15 Texas A&M Corpus–Christi | W 76–63 |
| 2007 | #2 | Second Round | #7 UNLV | L 68–74 |
| 2008 | #3 | First Round | #14 Cal State Fullerton | W 71–56 |
| 2008 | #3 | Second Round | #11 Kansas State | W 72–55 |
| 2008 | #3 | Sweet Sixteen | #10 Davidson | L 56–73 |
| 2009 | #12 | First Round | #5 Florida State | W 61–59 OT |
| 2009 | #12 | Second Round | #4 Xavier | L 49–60 |
| 2010 | #4 | First Round | #13 Wofford | W 53–49 |
| 2010 | #4 | Second Round | #12 Cornell | L 69–87 |
| 2011 | #4 | Second Round | #13 Belmont | W 72–58 |
| 2011 | #4 | Third Round | #5 Kansas State | W 70–65 |
| 2011 | #4 | Sweet Sixteen | #8 Butler | L 54–61 |
| 2012 | #4 | Second Round | #13 Montana | W 73–49 |
| 2012 | #4 | Third Round | #5 Vanderbilt | W 60–57 |
| 2012 | #4 | Sweet Sixteen | #1 Syracuse | L 63–64 |
| 2013 | #5 | Second Round | #12 Ole Miss | L 46–57 |
| 2014 | #2 | Second Round | #15 American | W 75–35 |
| 2014 | #2 | Third Round | #7 Oregon | W 85–77 |
| 2014 | #2 | Sweet Sixteen | #6 Baylor | W 69–52 |
| 2014 | #2 | Elite Eight | #1 Arizona | W 64–63 OT |
| 2014 | #2 | Final Four | #8 Kentucky | L 73–74 |
| 2015 | #1 | Second Round | #16 Coastal Carolina | W 86–72 |
| 2015 | #1 | Third Round | #8 Oregon | W 72–65 |
| 2015 | #1 | Sweet Sixteen | #4 North Carolina | W 79–72 |
| 2015 | #1 | Elite Eight | #2 Arizona | W 85–78 |
| 2015 | #1 | Final Four | #1 Kentucky | W 71–64 |
| 2015 | #1 | National Championship | #1 Duke | L 63–68 |
| 2016 | #7 | First Round | #10 Pittsburgh | W 47–43 |
| 2016 | #7 | Second Round | #2 Xavier | W 66–63 |
| 2016 | #7 | Sweet Sixteen | #6 Notre Dame | L 56–61 |
| 2017 | #8 | First Round | #9 Virginia Tech | W 84–74 |
| 2017 | #8 | Second Round | #1 Villanova | W 65–62 |
| 2017 | #8 | Sweet Sixteen | #4 Florida | L 83–84 OT |
| 2019 | #5 | First Round | #12 Oregon | L 54–72 |
| 2021 | #9 | First Round | #8 North Carolina | W 85–62 |
| 2021 | #9 | Second Round | #1 Baylor | L 63–76 |
| 2022 | #3 | First Round | #14 Colgate | W 67–60 |
| 2022 | #3 | Second Round | #11 Iowa State | L 49–54 |
When did Wisconsin last appear in the College Basketball Championship?
Wisconsin's last appearance in the College Basketball Championship in 2022 serves as a testament to its enduring spirit and commitment to excellence. While the journey may have varied in each tournament, Wisconsin's legacy remains steadfast, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of college basketball history.
Wisconsin Conferences Wins
Wisconsin's dominance extends beyond the NCAA tournament, with notable victories in various conferences. Here are their conference wins:
Big Ten Regular Season Championships: 20 (1907, 1908, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1916, 1918, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1929, 1935, 1941, 1947, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Big Ten Tournament Championships: 3 (2004, 2008, 2015)
Wisconsin's prowess extends across different platforms, showcasing their talent and determination in every game they play.
FAQ's On Wisconsin College March Madness Playoff History
A. Wisconsin has made 26 NCAA tournament appearances, with a combined record of 40–25, including a national championship in 1941.
A. Wisconsin secured its first NCAA tournament victory in 1941, winning the national championship against Washington State with a score of 39–34.
A. Wisconsin has won one National Championship in 1941 and holds three Premo-Porretta National Championships (1912, 1914, 1916) and four Helms Foundation National Championships (1912, 1914, 1916, 1941).
A. Wisconsin's most recent appearance in the College Basketball Championship was in 2022, showcasing the team's enduring commitment to excellence.
A. Wisconsin's record boasts 1,683 wins through the 2022–23 season, ranking among the top 50 in Division I college basketball victories.
