During what year did the NCAA men's basketball tournament first take place?

The NCAA men's basketball tournament first took place in 1939. This inaugural tournament featured eight teams and was held in a single-elimination format, which has become a hallmark of the event today. The first championship game took place on March 27, 1939, and was won by the University of Oregon, setting the stage for what would evolve into one of the most significant sporting events in the United States. The introduction of the tournament marked a pivotal moment in college basketball, amplifying its popularity and establishing a tradition that has lasted for decades.