This was also the first year teams were seeded #1 through #12, as the conference eliminated divisional play prior to the season, although the 2011–12 schedule was still structured based upon the divisions used from 1991–92 through 2010–11.
This was the last SEC tournament to have 12 teams. The addition of Missouri and Texas A&M from the Big 12 Conference had been announced prior to the season.
Television coverage
The first round and quarterfinal rounds were televised through the ESPN Regional Television-operated SEC Network through regional syndication. The semifinals and final were broadcast nationally on ABC.
Seeds
As of completed games on March 4. Applies tiebreaker as best as possible.
‡ – SEC regular season champions, and tournament No. 1 seed. † – Received a bye in the conference tournament. Overall records are as of the end of the regular season.