The 2025 NCAA men’s basketball national championship is set to be a thrilling showdown as the top-ranked Florida Gators take on the also top-ranked Houston Cougars at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, at 8:50 p.m. ET, this matchup is the culmination of a month filled with excitement and upsets as teams battled through the March Madness tournament.
Both teams earned their spots in the championship game through hard-fought victories in the semifinals. The Cougars edged out Duke with a nail-biting 70–67 win on Saturday, April 5, showcasing their resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Florida secured their place by overcoming Auburn with a score of 79–73, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.
This championship game marks a significant moment for both programs. The Gators are no strangers to success, having previously won the NCAA title in back-to-back seasons in 2006 and 2007. On the other hand, the Cougars are seeking their first national title, making this an exhilarating prospect for their fans.
The 2025 NCAA March Madness tournament has captivated audiences across the country, with its single-elimination format drawing in viewers and generating significant revenue. Since its inception in 1939, March Madness has evolved, with the NCAA selling audiovisual rights for nearly $20 billion until 2032. This financial boon is partly due to the excitement surrounding the tournament, which features 68 teams competing for the coveted national championship.
With the tournament beginning on Selection Sunday, March 16, and culminating in the championship game, fans have been treated to thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes. The men’s tournament featured a full schedule, including the First Four on March 18-19, the First Round on March 20-21, and the Final Four on April 5 at the Alamodome.
As for the women’s tournament, it also showcased incredible talent and competition, with UConn emerging as the favorite to win against South Carolina in the women’s national championship held on April 6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The stakes are high, with approximately $264 million on the line across both tournaments. This includes about $128 million distributed for the 64 units available in March, with the remaining $136 million allocated to the 68 tournament teams. The prize for the men’s tournament winner includes a four-night getaway to the semifinals and grand final of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four, along with $750 in cash.
Fans are eager to watch the championship game, which will be broadcast on CBS and streamed via Paramount+. For those looking to catch the action online, platforms like DirecTV Stream, Hulu+ Live TV, and Sling TV offer options for streaming the game live.
In addition to the basketball excitement, the NCAA March Madness Music Festival is set to take place from April 4 to April 6, featuring performances from artists like Chris Stapleton, Pitbull, and Billboard Woman of the Year Doechii. This festival adds an extra layer of entertainment to the championship weekend, attracting both sports and music fans alike.
As the Gators and Cougars prepare to face off, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable championship game. Will Florida add another title to their storied history, or will Houston claim their first-ever national championship? Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this epic clash.
The men’s championship game is shaping up to be a historic event, and the excitement surrounding March Madness continues to grow. With both teams having proven their mettle throughout the tournament, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat as they tune in to witness the drama unfold.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the atmosphere in San Antonio is electric. Fans are gearing up for what could be a classic encounter, with both teams hungry for victory. This is the essence of March Madness – a celebration of college basketball at its finest, where anything can happen, and dreams can be realized.
