Countdown to Selection Sunday
As the anticipation builds for college basketball’s most thrilling month, fans are eagerly counting down to Selection Sunday, set for March 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast live on CBS, adhering to its long-standing tradition as the network of choice for this significant reveal. For those looking to stream the selection show, options include Paramount+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
The Tournament Schedule
The tournament’s exhilarating journey begins shortly after Selection Sunday, with the First Four games commencing on March 17 in Dayton, Ohio. This year marks a return to the excitement of March Madness, a hallmark of American sports culture that captivates fans with its sheer unpredictability and competitive spirit.
The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will unfold over three weeks, culminating in the hotly contested Final Four and the national championship game, both to be held at the impressive Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Below is the detailed schedule for key tournament dates, allowing fans to plan ahead for this momentous event:
- First Four: March 17-18
- First Round: March 19-20
- Second Round: March 21-22
- Sweet 16: March 26-27
- Elite Eight: March 28-29
- Final Four: April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium
- National Championship Game: April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium
Conference Tournaments
In addition to the national tournament dates, fans should also mark their calendars for the various conference tournaments leading up to March Madness. These events will take place throughout early March across several cities. Here’s a sampling of the schedule:
- ASUN: March 4-8 (Jacksonville, Fla.)
- Big South: March 4-8 (Johnson City, Tenn.)
- MVC: March 5-8 (St. Louis)
- ACC: March 10-14 (Charlotte)
- Big Ten: March 10-15 (Chicago)
- SEC: March 11-15 (Nashville)
These tournaments are crucial for bubble teams aiming to secure their spots in the NCAA tournament, with the stakes rising dramatically as the championship approaches.
Get Ready for March Madness
If you’re itching to dive into the March Madness atmosphere, keep an eye on conference standings and team performances, as the race to the Final Four intensifies. Get ready for an electrifying season ahead!
This insightful preview aims to prepare fans for the exciting events to come leading up to one of the most anticipated times in collegiate athletics.
