2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament: How to Watch and What to Expect

March Madness is just around the corner, and fans are gearing up for the excitement of the NCAA Tournament. Starting with Selection Sunday this weekend, basketball enthusiasts are getting ready to fill out their brackets and join in on the fun. The action kicks off with the First Four on March 17-18 in Dayton, Ohio, followed by the first round on March 19 at various locations across the country.

This year, the NCAA is cracking down on teams that do not provide player availability reports, with fines starting at $10,000. This new measure aims to prevent betting-related pressures and harassment that athletes may face due to their playing status. As bubble teams strive to prove their worth to the NCAA Selection Committee, conferences are gearing up for championship week, where teams can improve their seeding with standout performances.

If you’re a fan of the 68-team tournament format, savor the moment! There are ongoing discussions about potentially expanding the field by adding at least four more teams. In terms of betting favorites, Duke, Michigan, Arizona, and defending champion Florida are leading the pack according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

When it comes to watching the tournament, fear not—every game will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, or TruTV, along with their digital platforms, including Paramount+. TBS will air the Final Four and the national championship game this year, while the NCAA will also provide a streaming option through March Madness Live.

As the anticipation builds, teams are vying for the 31 automatic bids reserved for league tournament champions, with the selection committee then selecting an additional 37 at-large teams to round out the 68-team field. The official field will be unveiled on Selection Sunday, March 15, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming action, as the first- and second-round games will take place from March 19-22 at multiple locations, followed by the Sweet 16 games from March 26-29 in Houston, Washington, Chicago, and San Jose, California. The Final Four is set for Saturday, April 4, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with the championship game scheduled for the night of Monday, April 6, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern. Get ready for the Madness!