When Does March Madness 2025 Start?

March Madness is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world, bringing together the best college basketball teams to compete for the ultimate prize. Every year, millions of fans eagerly await the tournament, filling out brackets and cheering for their favorite teams. If you're wondering when March Madness 2025 begins and what to expect, we've got you covered.

March Madness 2025 Start Date

March Madness officially kicks off with Selection Sunday on March 16, 2025. This is the day when the NCAA reveals the full tournament bracket, including all 68 teams that made it to the competition. Fans and analysts eagerly watch as matchups are announced, setting the stage for an action-packed few weeks.

The actual gameplay begins with the First Four round on March 18 and 19, 2025. These games are played in Dayton, Ohio, and determine which final teams advance to the first round. From there, the tournament truly gets underway.

The First Round (Round of 64) starts on March 20 and 21, 2025, and this is where the madness truly begins. Upsets, buzzer-beaters, and underdog stories unfold, making it one of the most thrilling moments of the tournament.

March Madness 2025 Schedule Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at the key dates of the men's and women's tournaments:

Men’s NCAA Tournament

• Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
• First Four: March 18-19, 2025
• First Round (Round of 64): March 20-21, 2025
• Second Round: March 22-23, 2025
• Sweet 16: March 27-28, 2025
• Elite Eight: March 29-30, 2025
• Final Four: April 5, 2025
• Championship Game: April 7, 2025 (Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas)

Women’s NCAA Tournament

• Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
• First Four: March 19-20, 2025
• First Round: March 21-22, 2025
• Second Round: March 23-24, 2025
• Sweet 16: March 28-29, 2025
• Elite Eight: March 30-31, 2025
• Final Four: April 4, 2025
• Championship Game: April 6, 2025 (Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida)

What to Expect from March Madness 2025

Exciting Upsets: Every year, lower-seeded teams shock the world by defeating powerhouse programs. Expect thrilling Cinderella stories that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Buzzer-Beaters & Overtime Thrillers: The unpredictability of March Madness is what makes it so special. Clutch shots and last-second drama are almost guaranteed.

Top Teams & Rising Stars: Teams like Duke, Kansas, and Gonzaga will likely be contenders, but don’t be surprised if new teams emerge as dominant forces. Young talent will also take the spotlight, with NBA scouts closely watching.

Bracket Challenges: Millions of fans participate in bracket contests, trying to predict the winners of every game. If you're feeling lucky, join a pool and see how your picks fare.

How to Watch March Madness 2025

You can catch all the action across multiple platforms. Here’s how to stay tuned:

TV Broadcasts: Games will air on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV for the men’s tournament, while the women’s games will be shown on ESPN networks.

Live Streaming: Fans can stream games on NCAA March Madness Live, ESPN+, and other sports streaming services.

Social Media Updates: Follow @marchmadness on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for live highlights, score updates, and behind-the-scenes content.

Final Thoughts

March Madness 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable tournament. Whether you're rooting for a top seed, hoping for an underdog victory, or just enjoying the excitement, there's something for everyone. With action-packed games, thrilling moments, and championship dreams on the line, this year's tournament is a must-watch event.