The tournament involves the champions from each of Canada's four regional sports conferences.

Assumption University has the distinction of originating the national championship trophy.

In 1963, the University of Windsor Alumni Association donated the award featuring a silver basketball, and named in memory of W.P.

For more than 60 years, the McGee trophy has been awarded annually to the U Sports men's basketball champion.

After two years back in Halifax, the next two tournaments were held in the now renamed Canadian Tire Centre (formerly Scotiabank Place).