March Madness is just around the corner, and basketball fans everywhere are getting excited! The NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments promise to be thrilling this season, with Selection Sunday marking the starting point for the festivities. Let’s dive into the facts, the dates, and how you can catch all the action this March!
When Does Selection Sunday Happen?
Selection Sunday is a big day for college basketball. In 2025, it falls on March 16th. This is when the NCAA reveals the brackets for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. The men’s tournament bracket will be announced first at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by the women’s bracket at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Fans will be tuning in across the country to see if their favorite teams made the cut and to watch the exciting matchups unfold!
How to Watch the Tournament
If you want to keep up with all the madness, broadcasts are set for CBS and ESPN, which will show every game. The ESPN app and FuboTV also offer live streaming options, so you won’t miss any of the thrilling moments that March Madness brings. Just grab some popcorn—it’s going to be quite a show!
Key Dates for March Madness 2025
Mark your calendars because here are the important dates you need to know:
- Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
- First Four Games: March 18-19, 2025
- First and Second Rounds: March 20-23, 2025
- Sweet Sixteen: March 27-30, 2025
- Final Four: April 5, 2025
- Championship Game: April 7, 2025
Who’s in the Running?
This year’s tournament features some thrilling teams that spectators will want to keep an eye on, like Gonzaga, known for its impressive tournament track record, and North Carolina, which is looking to perform strong in the ACC. As the conference tournaments lead to the big day, several bubble teams will be fighting hard for a spot in the tournament, adding to the excitement!
How Tournament Selection Works
The NCAA selection committee is responsible for choosing which 68 teams make it to the tournament. There are 32 spots filled by teams that win their conferences, while the other 36 teams are chosen based on their performance throughout the season. This mix creates a fun surprise factor during Selection Sunday as fans wait to see how their teams will fare.
2025 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tournament Summary
As we eagerly anticipate March Madness, it’s essential to know the tournament schedules and broadcast details. All tournament games will be aired across popular networks, ensuring that every slam dunk and buzzer-beater is available for everyone. For 2025, those broadcasts will span across CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV, so whatever your preferred viewing platform is, you’ll be covered!
Upcoming Events in March Madness
The First Four games for both men’s and women’s tournaments kick off on March 18 and 19, leading to the first and second rounds being played from March 20 to 23. It’s a whirlwind of basketball joy that everyone looks forward to, filled with unexpected turnarounds and thrilling upsets!
Fun Facts About March Madness
Did you know that the term “March Madness” was first used to describe the high school basketball tournaments in Illinois back in the 1930s? Now it describes one of the biggest annual sporting events in the U.S. and captivates millions of fans every year. The term fits perfectly with the excitement and unpredictability that the tournament brings.
Watch Out for March Madness Coverage
Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a casual viewer, there’s a lot to enjoy about March Madness. Bookmark your favorite sports sites and follow your teams as we gear up for a month of unforgettable basketball, filled with rivalries, dramatic finishes, and heart-stopping plays!
| Tournament | Release Time (ET) | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s | 6:00 PM | CBS |
| Women’s | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
