It is one of a handful of trophies in college sports contested among three teams; others are the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and the irregularly awarded Florida Cup and Beehive Boot.

In the event of a tie the Michigan MAC Trophy remains with the previous holder until one of the other rivals claims the title.

This happened with both trophies in 2008, when each team finished 2–2 in men's basketball and 1–1 in football; Western Michigan retained the men's basketball trophy and Eastern Michigan retained the football trophy.

It also happened in 2012 with the football trophy, when EMU retained it.

Western Michigan has won the most total trophies with 17, 8 in basketball and 9 in football.