The countdown to one of the most exhilarating events in U.S. sports has begun: the 2025 NCAA March Madness tournament is right around the corner. With Selection Sunday set for March 16, fans are getting ready for the drama and excitement of the tournament.
March Madness, known for its single-elimination format, features 68 of the best college basketball teams divided between the men's and women's tournaments, battling it out for the national championships. The men’s tournament kicks off with its First Four games on March 18 followed by the first round starting March 20, whereas the women's tournament launches with the First Four on March 19.
Selection Sunday is not just any ordinary day for college basketball fans; it is the moment when the NCAA Selection Committee reveals the full bracket indicating which teams have earned their shot at glory. This year's Selection Sunday will see the men’s bracket unveiled at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by the women's bracket reveal at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. It’s true what they say: "One of the biggest competitions in college sports returns soon," and fans are already getting their brackets ready.
For those eager to catch every exciting moment, games will air on various channels, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV for the men's tournament. Women’s games will be broadcast across the ESPN channels, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the competition. Don’t have cable? No problem! Streaming services like Paramount+, Max, and Sling TV will carry the games for viewers wanting to watch on the go.
The complete schedule for the men's tournament includes:
- Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
- First Four: March 18-19, 2025
- First round: March 20-21, 2025
- Second round: March 22-23, 2025
- Sweet 16: March 27-28, 2025
- Elite Eight: March 29-30, 2025
- Final Four: April 5, 2025, at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
- NCAA Championship Game: April 7, 2025, at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
For the women, the schedule is as follows:
- Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
- First Four: March 19-20, 2025
- First round: March 21-22, 2025
- Second round: March 23-24, 2025
- Sweet 16: March 28-29, 2025
- Elite Eight: March 30-31, 2025
- Final Four: April 4, 2025, at Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
- NCAA Championship Game: April 6, 2025, at Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
Venues across the country have been selected to host the games. The First Four games will take place at the University of Dayton Arena, with the prestigious Final Four and championship games held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. On the women's side, important fights will take place at the Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane Arena, Spokane, Washington.
Looking forward to the tournament, Auburn has emerged as the favorite to clinch the men’s title, showcasing impressive performances throughout the season. The excitement of the tournament is amplified by the unpredictable nature of college basketball—each team has the opportunity to upset the odds, fostering 'Cinderella stories' and breakout stars. "Selection Sunday is when college basketball fans learn which men’s and women’s NCAA Division I teams earn the right to compete for a national title," emphasizing the significance of this day for athletes and fans alike.
Bracket creations will be impressive as fans prepare to select their teams to follow. The official brackets will be available following Selection Sunday, sparking the age-old competition among fans to predict the final champion. No one has ever submitted a perfect March Madness bracket, adding to the thrill every year as teams battle it out.
March Madness is more than just basketball; it's about community, excitement, and shared experiences with family and friends. The energy is palpable as fans gather to cheer on their teams, filling out brackets, and enjoying every clutch moment of the tournament. The anticipation builds as we close the gap between now and March Madness 2025.