Selection Sunday for the 2025 NCAA March Madness was marked on March 16, where the excitement reached fever pitch as the brackets for both men's and women's tournaments were unveiled. The hour-long selection show for the men aired at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by the women's reveal at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. This annual event is one of the highlights for college basketball fans, signaling the beginning of the thrilling tournament phase.
The men's tournament features 68 teams, with the first games set to kick off on March 18-19, 2025. The first round is scheduled for March 20-21, followed by the second round on March 22-23. Basketball aficionados can look forward to the Sweet 16 rounds on March 27-28, leading to the Elite Eight on March 29-30. The excitement culminates at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, where the Final Four will take place on April 5, 2025, and the NCAA championship game is set for April 7.
This year's men's tournament will be showcased across various iconic venues, including the UD Arena for the First Four games, Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, and the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, for the East Regional games. Other venues, such as the Chase Center in San Francisco for the West Regional and Lucas Oil Stadium for the Midwest Regional, will host key matchups, truly making this tournament one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.
The women's tournament also promises to deliver thrilling action. Selection Sunday revealed the bracket for the women's teams at 8 p.m. ET. The First Four games are scheduled for March 19-20, followed by the first round on March 21-22 and the second round on March 23-24. The Sweet 16 will happen on March 28-29, with the Elite Eight slated for March 30-31. The Final Four is scheduled for April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, culminating with the NCAA championship game on April 6.
Hosting sites for the women's tournament include Birmingham, Alabama, at the Legacy Arena, and Spokane, Washington, at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, emphasizing the geographical spread and the impact of the tournament across the nation.
NCAA President Mark Emmert stated, "Selection Sunday for March Madness is always one of the most exciting days of the year for basketball fans," reflecting the national fervor surrounding college basketball during this time of year. Analyst Jay Bilas added, "This year's tournament promises to be thrilling, with numerous teams showing impressive form," highlighting the competitive nature of this year's matchups.
Fans eagerly filling venues or tuning in at home will witness intense competition as their favorite teams battle for glory. The atmosphere during March Madness captivates millions, offering some of the most dramatic moments seen on the sports stage, where underdogs often rise to the occasion against stronger opponents. It's not just about winning games; it's about the dreams and aspirations of college athletes vying for their chance to make history.
Historic teams and upstarts alike will face off during this tournament, making every game as unpredictable as it is exhilarating. Teams will not only contend for the championship title but will also look to carve their names in the annals of college sports history. With months of preparation leading to this pivotal moment, players, coaches, and fans eagerly anticipate the chance to witness what makes March Madness special.
Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare to engage with the action as it kicks off—a celebration of talent, dedication, and the unpredictability of tournament play awaits.