In a thrilling culmination of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, CBS and Turner Sports pulled out all the stops for the National Championship game held on April 7, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The stakes were high as the Florida Gators faced off against the Houston Cougars, and viewers were treated to an array of cutting-edge broadcasting technology and a star-studded commentary team.
The broadcast team, featuring Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, and Tracy Wolfson, brought their expertise and enthusiasm to the game, ensuring that fans felt every moment of the action. This year marked a significant change in the production team, as long-time CBS director Mark Grant and first-time Final Four producer Ken Mack took the reins, succeeding broadcasting legends Bob Fishman and Mark Wolff.
With over 50 cameras deployed throughout the Alamodome, including drones for stunning aerial shots, the production setup was nothing short of spectacular. CBS and Turner Sports each utilized five production trucks, with two shared between the networks. This collaborative effort ensured a seamless broadcast experience for viewers at home.
Turner Sports also set up an off-site studio show at Tony Roma’s restaurant, employing two additional trucks for production resources. The innovative broadcasts included TNT’s TeamCast coverage, which provided fans with unique perspectives on the game.
Bexel played a crucial role in supporting this massive production, providing fiber deployment, transport hardware, and cable. Their commitment to excellence was evident, as they ensured that the technical infrastructure was robust enough to handle the demands of such a high-profile event.
Among the highlights of the broadcast were advanced camera systems, including a four-point SkyCam and a live drone from Beverly Hills Aerials. The production featured 20 super-slow-motion cameras, with 12 capturing footage at 6X super-slow-motion and one at 8X SDF. Antelope cameras were embedded at the base of each basket, while two on-court cameras captured the action from thrilling angles. The RailCam and three 4K cameras mounted at the base of the center videoboard provided unique top-down views that enhanced the viewing experience.
Glen Levine, President of NEP U.S., expressed pride in their support of the NCAA Tournament, stating, “With 10 trucks in use for the NCAA Tournament by the CBS television network, the CBS Sports Network, and Turner Sports, these broadcasters, as well as others we support, know that we have the capacity and technical talent for any single event or large series of events.”
Lee Estroff, VP of Strategic Accounts at Bexel, emphasized their commitment to delivering quality service, noting, “The NCAA Tournament is a major undertaking for us, but even with the large inventory of equipment and support personnel that we are providing for broadcasters, we are continuing to serve our existing clients, and even taking on new clients.”
The excitement didn’t stop there. Leading up to the championship game, CBS aired several special programs to engage fans. Championship Central was broadcast at 8 p.m., providing insights and updates on the teams. Earlier in the day, NCAA March Madness 360 aired on CBS Sports Network at 6 p.m., setting the stage for the night’s big event.
ESPN also contributed to the festivities with a live broadcast of College GameDay from San Antonio at 7 p.m., creating a buzz around the championship matchup. SportsGrid provided additional coverage with Bracket Central at 8 p.m., while CBS Sports Network continued the conversation with NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown at 11:30 p.m.
The synergy between CBS and Turner Sports, combined with cutting-edge technology and a passionate broadcast team, ensured that the National Championship game was a memorable event for fans across the nation. As viewers settled in to watch Florida battle Houston, they knew they were in for a night of high-stakes basketball and top-notch broadcasting.
In a season filled with surprises and intense competition, the National Championship game was the crowning jewel of March Madness, showcasing the best of college basketball. As the teams took to the court, anticipation filled the air, and fans eagerly awaited the outcome of this thrilling showdown.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams had come prepared, each bringing their unique strengths to the court. Florida’s dynamic offense faced off against Houston’s tenacious defense, promising an exhilarating matchup. With every dribble, pass, and shot, the excitement grew, and the stakes could not have been higher.
As the clock ticked down, the atmosphere in the Alamodome was electric. Fans from both sides cheered passionately, creating a vibrant tapestry of school spirit and camaraderie. The broadcast team expertly captured these moments, ensuring that viewers felt the intensity of the competition.
In the end, the National Championship game was more than just a contest between two teams; it was a celebration of the sport, the players, and the fans who make college basketball so special. As CBS and Turner Sports concluded their coverage, they left viewers with lasting memories of a night filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
With the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament, fans are already looking ahead to next season, eager for more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. The commitment of CBS and Turner Sports to delivering high-quality broadcasts ensures that the excitement of college basketball will continue to thrive.
