The March Madness® schedule sets the stage for one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Every March, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament transforms college hoops into a national spectacle, where buzzer beaters become instant classics, and underdogs rewrite the bracket in real time. From the First Four to the Final Four®, every possession carries championship weight.
As of publication, which games air on what channels, stations, and streaming services is not set. But even before games are locked, fans can start planning when and how to watch each round. The games will be shared between CBS and Turner networks (TBS, TNT, and truTV).
CBS Sports will present marquee matchups from the First Round, all the way up to the Elite Eight®. For streaming viewers, Paramount+ offers live access to CBS games to subscribers with the Paramount+ Premium plan.
Here, our guide breaks down the tournament timeline so you can be prepared, whether you’re following your bracket closely, or just watching for the drama of elimination basketball.
When does March Madness® 2026 start?
March Madness® 2026 starts with Selection Sunday, the annual event where the tournament bracket is announced. This year, Selection Sunday takes place at 6 PM ET on Sunday March, 15, 2026; it’ll air live on CBS, and stream live on Paramount+ with the Paramount+ Premium plan.
March Madness® court action tip off with the First Four play-in games on March 17-18, 2026. The First Four games determine the 64-team bracket’s final spots.
The First Round begins on Thursday, March 19, 2026, launching the full tournament field into action.
March Madness® 2026 round-by-round schedule
Below is the complete March Madness® 2026 schedule, round by round. Check back for updates on teams and channel assignments.
- 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®: Saturday, April 4, 2026
- National Championship: Monday, April 6, 2026
Each stage narrows the field:
- the First and Second Rounds reduce the tourney’s 64 teams to 16;
- the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight® rounds determine the Final Four® participants;
- the Final Four® games determine the two teams that’ll compete in the National Championship game.
When is the Final Four® 2026?
The men’s Final Four® takes place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. TBS will broadcast the games, two in all. The semifinal contests determine which schools advance to the championship.
When is the 2026 National Championship Game?
The men’s National Championship Game will be played at 8:30 PM ET, on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. TBS will broadcast the game.
This game decides the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball champion. By this stage, the bracket has been reduced from 68 total teams to two, and every possession carries championship weight.
How to watch and stream March Madness® 2026
March Madness® games air across multiple broadcast partners, including CBS.
Watching on TV
Select games from the First Round to Elite Eight® air live on CBS.
Streaming Options
If you’re looking to stream March Madness® live, keep in mind that Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ Premium plan can stream the CBS games live.
To stream CBS games live via Paramount+:
- Sign up for Paramount+. (CC required. T&C apply.)
- Select the Premium plan for live CBS access. Visit the Paramount+ Help Center for details on plans and pricing.
- Navigate to the Live TV section during scheduled games.
For more info, get our guide to watching and streaming March Madness®.
Where is the Final Four® 2026 being played?
The Final Four® will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indianapolis has long been associated with college basketball history, making it a fitting host city for championship weekend. The venue will host the two national semifinal games (aka the Final Four®) on Saturday, April 4, 2026, and the National Championship on Monday, April 6, 2026.
