The NCAA Men’s and Women’s March Madness tournaments are just around the corner, and the excitement begins with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026. This is when the 68 teams in each tournament are revealed, setting the stage for weeks of intense basketball action. This guide provides everything you need to know about watching both Selection Sunday and the entire tournament, whether you prefer streaming or traditional TV.
When and Where to Watch Selection Sunday
The men’s Selection Show will air on CBS and stream on Paramount Plus Premium at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT). The women’s Selection Show will follow on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). This event is crucial because it determines which teams will compete for the national championship.
Why this matters: Selection Sunday is the official kickoff. Without knowing which teams are in, bracket predictions and casual viewership can’t start. The anticipation builds as teams fight for automatic bids in conference tournaments leading up to this moment.
How to Stream or Watch March Madness Games
The tournament games will be broadcast across multiple channels, meaning you’ll need a streaming service or traditional cable to catch them all. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
- ESPN Unlimited: ($30/month) Carries all women’s games, including the championship on ABC.
- Paramount Plus Premium: ($14/month) Offers select men’s games on CBS.
- YouTube TV: ($60/month) Provides access to TBS, TNT, truTV, CBS, ABC, and ESPN.
- Hulu with Live TV: ($83/month) Includes ABC, CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV, and ESPN.
- DirecTV Stream: ($70/month) Offers every channel needed for complete coverage.
- Fubo: ($85/month) Carries ABC, CBS, and ESPN, but lacks TBS, TNT, and truTV (making it less ideal for the men’s tournament).
Free Viewing Options
If you’re looking to avoid subscription costs, there are ways to watch March Madness for free:
- March Madness Live: The official NCAA site and app allow free streaming with a valid TV provider login.
- Indoor Antenna: An indoor antenna can pick up ABC and CBS broadcasts for free. A basic antenna costs around $40.
- Free Trials: Sign up for a 21-day free trial with YouTube TV to watch the entire tournament without paying.
Key Tournament Dates
Here’s the schedule for both the men’s and women’s tournaments:
Men’s Tournament
- Selection Sunday: March 15, 2026
- First Four: March 17-18, 2026
- First Round: March 19-20, 2026
- Second Round: 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 (TBS)
Women’s Tournament
Dates will follow a similar schedule to the men’s tournament, starting with the First Four on March 18.
Conclusion
March Madness 2026 promises thrilling basketball action. Whether you choose to stream, watch on TV, or use free options, make sure you’re prepared to follow the tournament from Selection Sunday through the championship games. With multiple viewing options available, you can ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the madness.
