It’s time for March Madness! The 2025 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament is upon us, bringing together the finest young hoopers who will test their skills and represent their colleges across the country. With 68 teams entering the competition, anticipation builds as only one will emerge as the champion.
This year, the men’s games will be broadcast across traditional networks: CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV, ensuring widespread accessibility for fans. Meanwhile, fans of women’s basketball can tune in via ABC and ESPN. Furthermore, for those without a television connected to a cable package, the tournament is also available through various apps and media streaming devices.
For a comprehensive viewing experience, the NCAA has made strides in streamlining access to tournament coverage through the March Madness Live web-based app. Users can easily access live games on both desktop and mobile platforms. Notably, games aired by CBS are available free of charge through the app, although live streams from the Turner-owned channels will require a cable login. This arrangement, while convenient for some, means that viewers remain at the mercy of traditional cable dependencies.
Those sporting a cable login will find this app to be the most versatile option available for streaming March Madness games, complete with features like Fast Break, which provides live coverage of multiple games simultaneously, and BracketIQ—which offers matchup analysis and real-time statistics—a service that fans have come to rely on.
If you prefer to watch on the go rather than on a desktop, the March Madness Live app is also compatible with numerous devices, including iPhones, Android phones, smart TVs, and popular media streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. This compatibility ensures that viewers have options to watch wherever they are. However, keep in mind that just like the web version, those looking to stream games via Turner networks will still need appropriate login credentials.
For dedicated fans who do not want to worry about cable subscriptions, several live TV streaming services make it easy to catch all the action. DirecTV Stream, for instance, offers an entertainment package for $101.98 per month which provides access to TNT, TBS, and truTV. Also, Fubo provides a slightly more affordable option with an access price of $84.99 per month.
Hulu’s ad-supported live TV package, priced at $82.99 monthly, allows viewers to stream all four channels, including CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. For those subscribed to Max, a variety of options enable viewers to watch over 40 live March Madness games. This comes along with the B/R Sports add-on, which is included in all standard and premium plans for $16.99 and $20.99 per month, respectively.
Meanwhile, Paramount+ offers a great deal for those who only wish to watch CBS-broadcast games. This subscription service is available for $7.99 per month (or $59.99 annually) with limited commercials, making it an affordable choice for casual viewers. An upgraded version without commercials can be accessed for $12.99 monthly (or $119.99 per year), catering to the preferences of varied audiences.
Sling TV presents a budget-friendly option for streaming March Madness as well, with its Sling Blue package starting at $46 monthly, including TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those preferring to watch on Sling Orange can access TNT and TBS, as well, with an additional $6 monthly fee to gain access to truTV through the Entertainment Extra add-on. YouTube TV also plays a key role in offering comprehensive coverage, providing access to CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV for $82.99 per month.
For women’s tournaments, viewers can catch games on ABC (available through YouTube TV) and ESPN, with ESPN+ streaming March Madness games starting at a competitive price of $11.99 per month.
For fans seeking more budget-friendly options, there's no legal means to stream every game for free, although some services do offer free trials. Fubo and Paramount+ both provide a week-long free trial for new subscribers, thereby offering an opportunity to watch without upfront payments. Varying free trial lengths are also available with YouTube TV depending on the plan selected.
For viewers located outside the U.S. attempting to watch the tournament, employing a VPN can facilitate access to local streaming content. By setting the VPN to a U.S. location, international fans can enjoy the games they would otherwise miss. Ensuring the best experience, high-quality VPN services like NordVPN and Proton VPN can deliver fast service and unlimited data, allowing users to stay connected during all the madness.
As the excitement of March Madness approaches, fans around the globe gear up to support their teams in what is consistently one of the best sporting events of the year. This year’s tournament is shaping up to be exceptional, and there’s no shortage of ways to engage with the festivities!
