March Madness is almost here, and if you’re a basketball fan, you’re probably excited to find out when the tournament kicks off in 2025. March Madness is one of the most thrilling times of the year for college basketball, bringing together the best teams and players in an unforgettable showdown. This year’s tournament dates are just around the corner, and plans are already in place for both the men’s and women’s competitions. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for the big event!
What is March Madness?
March Madness is the annual NCAA Basketball Tournament featuring 68 teams competing in a series of elimination games to determine the national champion. It includes both men’s and women’s tournaments, and the excitement often captivates millions of viewers who tune in to watch the best teams battle it out for glory. The tournament typically starts in mid-March, with the championship game concluding in early April.
When Does March Madness Start in 2025?
Mark your calendars! The official tournament dates for 2025 are as follows:
- Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
- First Four Games: March 18-19, 2025, held in Dayton, Ohio
- First and Second Round Games: March 20-23, 2025, at various locations
- Sweet Sixteen: March 27-30, 2025, in multiple cities including Newark and Atlanta
- Final Four: April 5, 2025, in San Antonio
- Championship Game: April 7, 2025, also in San Antonio
Selection Sunday: What to Expect
Selection Sunday is a highly anticipated event, as it reveals the tournament brackets for both the men’s and women’s competitions. On March 16, fans can tune in at 6 p.m. ET on CBS for the men’s bracket and then switch to ESPN at 8 p.m. ET for the women’s bracket. Both events will be streamed on the ESPN app and various platforms such as FuboTV, so everyone can watch live! This moment sets the stage for the thrilling matches that will follow.
March Madness Overview and Broadcasting Details
Here’s a handy table summarizing the key dates and broadcast information for March Madness 2025:
| Event | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Bracket Release | March 16 | 6:00 PM | CBS |
| Women’s Bracket Release | March 16 | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
| First Four Games | March 18-19 | Varies | Various |
| First and Second Rounds | March 20-23 | Varies | CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV |
| Sweets Sixteen | March 27-30 | Varies | CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV |
| Final Four | April 5 | Varies | CBS |
| Championship Game | April 7 | Varies | CBS |
How to Watch March Madness 2025
For fans eager to catch every buzzer-beater and every remarkable play, March Madness games will be broadcast via several channels including CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV. The Final Four and championship game will be exclusive to CBS, making it essential for viewers to tune in to these broadcasts. Don’t forget to check your local listings to ensure you can watch every moment of the action!
Get Ready for Buzzer-Beaters and Upsets!
As the tournament kicks off, basketball lovers won’t want to miss any of the excitement. March Madness not only showcases incredible talent but also the sheer unpredictability that has become a signature feature of this thrilling competition. College teams will be battling for not just the title but also the chance to create their own “Cinderella story” as they look to upset higher-ranked teams and make deep runs in the tournament.
So, as March approaches, ensure you have your brackets ready and your snacks stocked for when the action begins. There’s nothing like the thrill of watching teams live out their dreams in the quest for a national championship!
