How To Watch March Madness 2026: TV Channel, Live Stream, Men's NCAA Tournament Schedule, TV Networks.
The 2026 NCAA March Madness (men's basketball tournament) is set to deliver non-stop excitement as 68 teams battle in a single-elimination format for the national championship. The tournament, officially the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, begins after the bracket reveal and runs through early April, culminating at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Selection Sunday — when the 68-team field and seeds are announced — is Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS. The action kicks off with the First Four play-in games.
How to Watch March Madness 2026 live stream
CBS Sports and TNT Sports (Turner) share broadcasting rights through 2032. Coverage splits across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV for early rounds, with TBS handling the Final Four and championship in 2026.
All games stream via the official March Madness Live app/website (ncaa.com/march-madness-live), with limited free access before requiring a TV provider login.
CBS-aired games (including many early rounds, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and some others) stream on Paramount+ (Essential plan: $7.99/month or $59.99/year; Premium with SHOWTIME: $12.99/month or $119.99/year for full access, including live local CBS).
TBS/TNT/truTV games (most of the tournament, especially mid-week and the Final Four/championship) are available on streaming services carrying those channels.
How to Live Stream March Madness 2026
Sling TV — Often the most affordable for full coverage. Sling Blue includes TBS, TNT, and truTV; pair with Orange for extras if needed. Great budget pick for March Madness.
Fubo — Excellent for sports fans ($74.99+/month after free trial), includes CBS and many other networks, but misses TBS/TNT/truTV. Use its free trial alongside Sling for complete access.
Other options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream carry the full suite of channels.
International viewers can use Watch NCAA or local broadcasters. For free glimpses, NCAA March Madness Live offers some no-login streams early in games.
How to watch 2026 men’s NCAA tournament, TV Schedule, Dates, Channel, Live Streaming ONline
First Four
Dates: Tuesday, March 17; Wednesday, March 18
Times: 6:40 p.m.; 9:10 p.m. ET
Channel: truTV
First, second rounds
Dates: March 19-22
Channels: CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV
Elite 8, Sweet 16
Dates: March 27-30
Channels: CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV
Final Four
Date: April 4
Times: 6 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. ET
Channel: TBS
National championship
Date: April 6
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Channel: TBS
2026 Men's NCAA Tournament Schedule, Dates
Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 15, 2026 (6 p.m. ET, CBS)
First Four: Tuesday, March 17 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio)
First Round (Round of 64): Thursday, March 19 – Friday, March 20, 2026
Second Round (Round of 32): Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Sweet 16: Thursday, March 26 – Friday, March 27, 2026
Elite Eight: Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29, 2026
Final Four (National Semifinals): Saturday, April 4, 2026 (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis; 6 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. ET)
National Championship Game: Monday, April 6, 2026 (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis; 8:30 p.m. ET, TBS)
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