The 2011–12 Mid-American Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2011, followed by the start of the 2011–12 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November.

Conference play began in January 2012 and concluded in March 2012.

Akron won the regular season title with a conference record of 13–3 over second place Buffalo.

Third-seeded Ohio defeated Akron in the MAC tournament final and represented the MAC in the NCAA tournament where they defeated Michigan and South Florida then lost in the Sweet Sixteen to top-seeded North Carolina in overtime.

[5] (First place votes in parentheses) Kent State (12), Akron (6), Ball State (3), Western Michigan (2), Central Michigan (1) [6][7] [8] 2011–12 Mid-American Conference women's basketball season