Key Points:
- Top Seeds: Auburn, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee (double byes).
- Dates: March 12–16, with the championship on March 16.
- Venue Rules: Clear bag policy; premium seating options available.
- Bracket Strategy: Balance safe picks (higher seeds) with calculated upsets (e.g., 11 vs. 6 seeds win 39.1% of the time).
- Tool: Use BettorEdge for easy bracket setup, scoring, payments, and tracking.
Start early, analyze team momentum, and leverage tools like BettorEdge to simplify the process and boost your chances of success.
2025 SEC Tournament Facts
Tournament Dates
The 2025 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament runs from March 12 to March 16, offering five action-packed days of competition. Here's how the schedule breaks down:
Round | Date | Details |
First Round | March 12 | Seeds 9-16 face off |
Second Round | March 13 | Seeds 5-8 join the action |
Quarterfinals | March 14 | Top 4 seeds make their debut |
Semifinals | March 15 | Four teams battle for a spot in the final |
Championship | March 16 | The winner secures an automatic NCAA bid |
This structured format ensures intense matchups every step of the way.
Tournament Location
The tournament will once again take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Here are some important details about the venue and attending:
- Security Policies: A clear bag policy is in effect. Bags must not exceed 12"x12"x6", and backpacks are not allowed .
- Accessibility: Guests needing special accommodations should contact Bridgestone Arena Customer Service at least 24 hours in advance .
- Premium Experiences: Fans can elevate their experience with Lexus Lounge access or suite packages .
Participating Teams
For the first time in SEC Tournament history, the field has expanded to 16 teams . As of February 23, 2025, the seeding is as follows:
Top Seeds (Double-Bye Teams):
- Auburn (13-1)
- Florida (11-3)
- Alabama (11-3)
- Tennessee (9-5)
Middle Seeds (Single-Bye Teams):
- Texas A&M (9-5)
- Missouri (9-5)
- Ole Miss (8-6)
- Kentucky (7-7)
Lower Seeds:
- Mississippi State (7-7)
- Vanderbilt (6-8)
- Arkansas (5-9)
- Texas (5-9)
- Georgia (4-10)
- Oklahoma (4-10)
- LSU (3-11)
- South Carolina (1-13)
The seeding system is critical, as the top four teams skip the first two rounds. This setup rewards regular-season performance while leaving room for surprises in the earlier matchups .
Tips for Bracket Success
Picking Upsets
Historically, No. 11 seeds beat No. 6 seeds 39.1% of the time in March Madness, while No. 12 seeds take down No. 5 seeds in 35.26% of cases . Use accordingly to determine how well it translates to conference brackets. To increase your chances, focus on teams with strong momentum or solid away records, as these often perform well in neutral venues .
Upset Probability for March Madness | Matchup Examples |
High Risk (30–40%) | 11 vs 6, 12 vs 5 |
Medium Risk (15–25%) | 13 vs 4, 14 vs 3 |
Low Risk (1–7%) | 15 vs 2, 16 vs 1 |
Knowing how these seeds perform can help you make smarter, more strategic picks.
Understanding Seeds
No. 1 seeds have a stellar track record, reaching the Final Four 62 times since 1985 and claiming 25 championships . If you're looking for safer choices, higher seeds are generally the way to go. This data helps you weigh the odds and create a bracket that mixes security with bold moves.
Risk vs. Reward
The key to a winning bracket is finding the right balance. Stick with higher seeds for smaller pools, where safer picks often pay off. For mid-size pools, consider mixing in some calculated early-round upsets to stand out . Balancing these strategies can make all the difference.
Why Use BettorEdge for Your Brackets
BettorEdge takes the hassle out of managing SEC Tournament brackets, catering to everyone from casual fans to serious competitors. Here's how it simplifies the process and enhances your experience.
Easy Entry and Scoring
BettorEdge streamlines bracket setup and scoring with an automated system that calculates results for you and provides real-time game updates. It supports various scoring formats, including the popular 1-2-4-8-16-32 system, used in about 65% of bracket pools . This ensures consistent and accurate scoring for all participants.
Money Pools and Secure Payouts
For those interested in real-money brackets, BettorEdge provides a secure payment system powered by Plaid, Paypal, or debit/credit card processing. This system helps prevent fraud and identity theft . The platform guarantees full payouts to winners with no hidden fees for pools in 2025, offering both free-to-play and real-money pool options.
Social and Community Features
BettorEdge enhances the competition with community-focused tools like real-time bracket tracking, private pools for friends or groups, and mobile app access for easy management .
Setting Up on BettorEdge
Getting started with your SEC Tournament bracket on BettorEdge is a breeze.
Sign Up Process
To begin, head to or download their app from the Apple App Store or Android platform. Signing up is straightforward - just enter your first name, last name, and email. Once you receive the verification email, click the link, and you're all set to dive into the action .
Creating or Joining Pools
Once you're verified, you can jump right into the competition. BettorEdge offers several options:
- Join free pools for casual fun.
- Try real-money pools with 100% payouts .
- Use an invitation code to access private pools with your friends or community.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re playing for fun or putting your skills to the test.
Using Platform Tools
BettorEdge provides tools to keep you engaged and informed:
- The Analytics Dashboard gives you real-time insights into your picks and performance .
- The mobile app delivers live score updates and head-to-head comparisons with other participants.
Beyond tracking performance, the platform focuses on transparency and social interaction. You can follow friends, connect with other bracket fans, and manage your picks - all in one place.
Next Steps
Once your bracket is set up on BettorEdge, here's how to make the most of your tournament experience:
- Submit Your Bracket on TimeMake sure to submit your picks before the tipoff on March 12. The champion secures an automatic NCAA Tournament spot .
- Pick Your Pool TypeDecide between free, real-money, or private pools for your tournament bracket on BettorEdge .
- Keep an Eye on Your ProgressUse BettorEdge's automated scoring system to track your bracket in real time .
- Key Dates to Note
- : March 12, 2025
- : March 16, 2025
- : March 16, 2025