March Madness—a favorite time of year for basketball fans—is just around the corner, and with it comes excitement, anticipation, and a whole lot of hoops! In 2025, this thrilling showcase of college basketball will kick off with Selection Sunday on March 16th. This day is special because it’s when the NCAA will reveal the brackets for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Fans are eagerly waiting to find out which teams make the cut and how they’ll be matched up in the tournament.
When Does March Madness Start?
March Madness officially kicks off shortly after Selection Sunday. For the men’s tournament, the First Four games will take place on March 18th and 19th in Dayton, Ohio. These opening games lead into the main event, which runs from March 20th to 23rd, showcasing teams from across the nation battling for their chance at glory. The women’s tournament starts a day later, on March 19th, and unfold until early April when champions will be crowned.
Selection Sunday: Your First Look at the Brackets
Mark your calendars for March 16th! At 6 p.m. ET, CBS will unveil the men’s bracket. It’s always thrilling to see which teams make it and who might be heading home disappointed. Right after, at 8 p.m. ET, ESPN will reveal the women’s bracket, adding even more excitement to the night. With many teams still on the bubble, every announcement will bring cheers or gasps from fans across the country.
How to Watch the Tournaments
If you’re wondering how to catch all the action, you’ll be glad to know that games will be aired on several networks! For the men’s tournament, games can be seen on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV, while the women’s tournament will be available on ESPN and ESPN2, as well as streaming on their respective apps. So whether you prefer to watch from the couch or stream on your device, you won’t miss a moment!
What’s Happening Through March Madness?
- March 16: Selection Sunday for both men’s and women’s tournaments.
- March 18-19: First Four games in Dayton, Ohio.
- March 20-23: First and Second Rounds of the men’s tournament.
- March 19: Women’s tournament kicks off.
- March 27-30: Sweet Sixteen games in various locations.
- April 5: Final Four games in San Antonio.
- April 7: Championship game of the men’s tournament.
| Tournament | Date | Time (ET) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Bracket Reveal | March 16 | 6:00 PM | CBS |
| Women’s Bracket Reveal | March 16 | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
| First Four Games | March 18-19 | Varies | TBS, TruTV |
| First Round Games | March 20-23 | Varies | CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV |
| Final Four | April 5 | Varies | CBS |
| Championship Game | April 7 | 8:20 PM | CBS |
Teams to Keep an Eye On
As the tournaments approach, fans will be analyzing team performances and looking out for the bubble teams—those that need a few more wins to secure their spot in the tournament. Traditionally strong schools like Kentucky, Duke, and Houston are expected to be favorites, but every year brings surprises! The excitement of unexpected wins and heart-breaking losses is what makes March Madness so special.
The Thrill of the Tournament
Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just enjoy the excitement of the tournament, March Madness offers something for everyone. The frenzy of cheering fans, the thrill of buzzer-beaters, and the chance to experience the drama unfold makes it an unforgettable event. So get ready to fill out your brackets and cheer for your favorite teams because March Madness 2025 is nearly here!
