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| When Is March Madness 2026 |
Discover when is March Madness 2026 — complete NCAA tournament dates from Selection Sunday to the Championship Game, schedule highlights, locations, and expert planning tips.
The anticipation for college basketball’s biggest event each year always leads fans to ask a simple yet crucial question: when is March Madness 2026? As the excitement builds for the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, having the full timeline, key dates, and schedule details at your fingertips helps you plan viewing parties, travel, and bracket strategies.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the official March Madness 2026 schedule from start to finish — including Selection Sunday, First Four games, regional rounds, the Final Four, and the National Championship. We’ll also explain how the tournament structure works, where games are played, and how you can follow the action live or online.
What Is March Madness?
March Madness is the annual NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament featuring 68 college teams — both men’s and women’s — in a single-elimination competition that captivates sports fans across the United States and around the world. It’s known for thrilling upsets, unforgettable buzzer-beaters, and bracket challenges that dominate workplaces and social media each spring.
The tournament culminates in the Final Four and National Championship, crowning the NCAA champion after several intense rounds of play. Understanding when is March Madness 2026 means knowing each phase’s date and how the schedule unfolds.
When Is March Madness 2026 Starting?
March Madness 2026 officially begins with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026 — the day the NCAA reveals the tournament bracket and matchups for both the men’s and women’s competitions. After the bracket announcement:
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| When Is March Madness 2026 |
- First Four (play-in games): March 17–18, 2026
- These games decide the final slots in the main 64-team bracket.
The tournament’s competitive action — often what fans associate with March Madness — begins immediately after the First Four.
NCAA Tournament Schedule: Key Dates
Here’s the official timeline for March Madness 2026, including all major rounds of competition:
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Selection Sunday | Sunday, March 15, 2026 |
| First Four | March 17–18, 2026 |
| First Round (Round of 64) | March 19–20, 2026 |
| Second Round (Round of 32) | March 21–22, 2026 |
| Sweet 16 | March 26–27, 2026 |
| Elite Eight | March 28–29, 2026 |
| Final Four | April 4, 2026 |
| National Championship Game | April 6, 2026 |
This schedule reflects both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments, which share kickoff timings for the bracket reveal and play-in games.
Locations for March Madness 2026
The multi-city format of March Madness spreads excitement across the U.S.:
Men’s Tournament
- First Four: UD Arena — Dayton, Ohio
- First/Second Rounds: Various cities such as Buffalo (New York), Greenville (South Carolina), Oklahoma City (Oklahoma), Portland (Oregon), Tampa (Florida), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), San Diego (California), and St. Louis (Missouri)
- Regionals (Sweet 16 & Elite Eight): Houston (Texas), San Jose (California), Chicago (Illinois), Washington, D.C.
- Final Four & National Championship: Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis, Indiana
These venues are set to host the thrilling rounds of competition that define March Madness.
How March Madness 2026 Will Be Broadcast
CBS, Turner Sports, and related networks hold the television rights to March Madness, meaning you can watch games across:
- CBS (Selection Sunday, Final Four and National Championship)
- TBS, TNT, and truTV (Early rounds and mid-tournament coverage)
- Paramount+ and NCAA March Madness Live apps offer live streaming options.
This ensures broad access across cable and streaming platforms for fans.
What to Expect Each Week
Selection Sunday (March 15)
On Selection Sunday, fans gather for the bracket announcement show, typically broadcast on national television. This moment officially kickstarts March Madness excitement and allows fans to lock in bracket picks.
First Four and Round of 64 (March 17–20)
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| When Is March Madness 2026 |
The First Four features four play-in games for the lowest seeds to earn entry into the Round of 64. These games are intense and provide early drama before the full field begins.
Once those are settled, the first and second rounds (Rounds of 64 and 32) play out across multiple cities, narrowing the field.
Sweet 16 & Elite Eight (March 26–29)
The field shrinks to just 16 teams in the Sweet 16, and then down to eight for the Elite Eight — one step away from punching a ticket to the Final Four.
Final Four & National Championship (April 4 & 6)
The Final Four features the four remaining teams battling in Indianapolis. Two semifinal games lead to the National Championship Game on April 6, where college basketball’s champion for the 2025–26 season will be crowned.
Why the Tournament Matters
March Madness isn’t just about basketball — it’s a cultural phenomenon. From bracket challenges in offices and among friends to economic boosts for host cities, the tournament captures attention nationwide. Millions of viewers tune in each March and early April to see:
- Bracket upsets and Cinderella stories
- Top players showcasing NBA potential
- Regional rivalries and historic programs competing on the biggest stage
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, when is March Madness 2026 and the surrounding events are a highlight of the college sports calendar.
Tips for March Madness Fans
To make the most of March Madness 2026:
Fill Out Your Bracket Early
Bracket challenges are a major part of the excitement. Many platforms, like ESPN and NCAA’s March Madness Live, allow you to create, share, and track brackets with friends and family.
Plan Watch Parties Around Key Dates
With Selection Sunday on March 15 and the Final Four on April 4, mark your calendar for the most anticipated matchups.
Follow Teams Through the Season
Regular-season performance and conference tournaments affect seeding and bracket positioning leading into March Madness.
Catch Games on Multiple Platforms
Levels of coverage across CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV, and streaming services mean you can follow games on TV or mobile apps.
How Men’s and Women’s Tournaments Align
Both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments follow the same general framework for when is March Madness 2026, starting with Selection Sunday on March 15 and progressing through similar rounds and timelines, culminating in their respective championship games in early April.
While venues differ for some rounds, both tournaments follow familiar brackets and elimination formats that define the Madness.
Historical Context
March Madness has grown from an 8-team tournament in 1939 to a 68-team bracket with First Four games introduced in 2011. Despite speculation about possible expansion for 2026 formats, the NCAA has confirmed the tournament will remain at 68 teams for both men’s and women’s tournaments this year.
This format ensures intense competition and keeps the path to the championship thrilling for teams and fans alike.
Quick Reference: March Madness 2026 Dates
- Selection Sunday: March 15, 2026
- First Four: March 17–18, 2026
- Round of 64: March 19–20, 2026
- Round of 32: March 21–22, 2026
- Sweet 16: March 26–27, 2026
- Elite Eight: March 28–29, 2026
- Final Four: April 4, 2026
- National Championship: April 6, 2026
Ready for March Madness 2026? Mark your calendar now — Selection Sunday falls on March 15, 2026 — and start tracking your favorite teams and conference tournaments to prepare your brackets!
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Season for Fans
Understanding when is March Madness 2026 gives you the roadmap to one of college sports’ most electrifying events. With key dates from Selection Sunday through the Final Four and National Championship, fans have a full month of thrilling basketball action ahead.
Whether you’re making brackets, planning watch parties, or following your alma mater, the March Madness schedule sets the stage for unforgettable moments. Be sure to save the key dates, tune into the games, and share the experience with fellow fans — because March Madness is more than a tournament; it’s a celebration of college basketball excellence.
Bookmark official NCAA tournament pages and follow live updates as teams are selected and the bracket takes shape — then enjoy the madness!
