March Madness 2026 is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in college basketball history. Every spring, the NCAA Tournament takes center stage, captivating fans with buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and intense win-or-go-home battles. With 68 teams fighting for a shot at the national championship, this year’s edition promises unforgettable moments and high-stakes action.
The tournament kicks off with the First Four, followed by the always-unpredictable First and Second Rounds. Surviving teams will advance to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, where powerhouse programs and underdog squads clash in pursuit of a Final Four berth. Finally, the last four teams standing will battle it out on the sport’s biggest stage: the Final Four and National Championship Game, set to take place in a marquee basketball city.
From blue-blood programs looking to add another banner to their rafters to mid-major schools aiming to shock the world, March Madness 2026 is shaping up to be must-watch basketball. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: key dates, top teams, players to watch, ticket prices, TV coverage, and expert predictions. Get ready for three weeks of nonstop action as the road to the championship unfolds!
March Madness 2026: Key Dates & Locations
March Madness 2026 is set to take over the college basketball world, with games hosted across the country in some of the sport’s most iconic arenas. From the First Four to the National Championship, every round will bring intense competition and unforgettable moments. Below is a breakdown of the key dates and locations for this year’s NCAA Tournament.
First Four
The tournament officially tips off with the First Four, where teams battle for the final spots in the main bracket.
- Dates: March 17-18, 2026
- Location: UD Arena – Dayton, OH
- Host: University of Dayton
First & Second Rounds
The heart of the madness begins with the First and Second Rounds, where 64 teams take the floor across eight host cities, setting the stage for early upsets and Cinderella stories.
- Dates: March 19-22, 2026
- Locations & Hosts:
- Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Canisius College, Niagara University)
- Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Furman, Southern Conference)
- Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center (Big 12 Conference)
- Portland, OR – Moda Center (Oregon State University)
- Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena (University of South Florida)
- Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center (Saint Joseph’s University)
- San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena (San Diego State University)
- St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center (Missouri Valley Conference)
Sweet 16 & Elite Eight
By this stage, only the top 16 teams remain, competing in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
- Dates: March 26-29, 2026
- Regional Sites & Hosts:
- South Regional – Houston, TX – Toyota Center (University of Houston)
- West Regional – San Jose, CA – SAP Center (San Jose State University)
- Midwest Regional – Chicago, IL – United Center (Northwestern University)
- East Regional – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena (Georgetown University)
Final Four & National Championship
The ultimate destination in the tournament, where four teams battle for the national title in front of a packed arena and millions watching worldwide.
- Final Four: April 4, 2026
- National Championship: April 6, 2026
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
- Hosts: Horizon League, IU Indianapolis
With legendary venues hosting each stage and the biggest names in college basketball competing for glory, March Madness 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride. Fans should secure their tickets early and get ready for one of the most exciting events in all of sports!
March Madness 2026: Tournament Format & Structure
March Madness 2026 follows the traditional 68-team single-elimination format, creating an unpredictable and action-packed tournament where every game matters. With the best college basketball programs competing alongside Cinderella teams looking to make history, the road to the national championship is filled with drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. Here’s a breakdown of how the tournament is structured.
Selection Process & Seeding
The tournament field is announced on Selection Sunday, where the NCAA Selection Committee reveals the 68 teams competing in March Madness.
- 32 teams receive automatic bids by winning their conference tournaments.
- 36 at-large teams are selected based on their regular-season performances, strength of schedule, and advanced metrics.
- Each team is placed in one of four regions (East, West, South, Midwest) and seeded from 1 to 16 within their region.
- The final four at-large teams and the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers compete in the First Four for a spot in the main bracket.
First Four
The tournament kicks off with the First Four, where eight teams fight for four spots in the main 64-team bracket.
- Dates: March 17-18, 2026
- Location: UD Arena – Dayton, OH
- Format: Four games featuring the lowest-ranked at-large bids and lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers.
First & Second Rounds
The madness begins as 64 teams compete in back-to-back rounds over the first weekend of the tournament.
- First Round (64 teams): March 19-20, 2026
- Second Round (32 teams): March 21-22, 2026
- Single-elimination: Win or go home.
- Potential upsets: Lower-seeded teams often take down higher seeds, creating Cinderella stories.
Sweet 16 & Elite Eight
The remaining 16 teams battle for a spot in the Final Four, facing tougher competition and higher stakes.
- Sweet 16 (16 teams): March 26-27, 2026
- Elite Eight (8 teams): March 28-29, 2026
- Each regional champion advances to the Final Four.
Final Four & National Championship
The Final Four determines the national champion in front of a packed crowd and millions of viewers worldwide.
- Final Four (4 teams): April 4, 2026
- National Championship (2 teams): April 6, 2026
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
- Winners of each semifinal face off for the title.
The Magic of March Madness
With its single-elimination format, thrilling upsets, and legendary performances, March Madness 2026 promises three weeks of pure basketball chaos. Whether you’re rooting for a powerhouse program or hoping for another Cinderella run, every game could go down in history.
March Madness 2026: Top Teams & Players to Watch
March Madness 2026 is shaping up to be another unforgettable tournament, featuring powerhouse programs, rising underdogs, and future NBA stars. With blue-blood programs looking to add another banner to their rafters and mid-majors hoping to pull off Cinderella runs, the field is stacked with talent and intrigue. Here’s a look at the top teams and players to watch as the road to the Final Four begins.
Top Contenders for the National Championship
These powerhouse programs have dominated the regular season and enter the tournament as top seeds, with their sights set on cutting down the nets in Indianapolis.
- Kansas Jayhawks – Led by a veteran squad and one of the best coaches in the game, Kansas boasts a dominant inside presence and elite guard play. They’ve been battle-tested in the Big 12 and are primed for a deep run.
- Duke Blue Devils – With a mix of five-star freshmen and experienced upperclassmen, Duke remains a perennial title threat. Their high-octane offense and elite perimeter defense make them a nightmare matchup.
- Purdue Boilermakers – After last year’s shocking early exit, Purdue is back with a vengeance. With their dominant frontcourt and sharp-shooting backcourt, they could finally break through to win it all.
- Arizona Wildcats – The Wildcats play at one of the fastest paces in the nation and have multiple NBA-caliber players. If they get hot, they’re capable of torching any defense in the field.
- Connecticut Huskies – The defending champions are hungry to repeat, relying on stifling defense and clutch scoring. UConn knows how to win in March, making them a dangerous opponent for anyone.
Dark Horse Teams That Could Shock the Field
Every year, a lower-seeded team captures the nation’s attention by making an unexpected deep run. Here are a few potential Cinderellas in 2026.
- Creighton Bluejays – A well-coached, disciplined team that plays efficient basketball. If their three-point shooting catches fire, they could go deep.
- Florida Atlantic Owls – Coming off recent tournament success, FAU is no longer a secret. Their experienced roster and up-tempo offense could cause major headaches for higher seeds.
- Dayton Flyers – Backed by a rowdy home crowd in the First Four, Dayton has a history of pulling off upsets. Their balanced attack makes them a team to watch.
- Saint Mary’s Gaels – A defensive-minded team that grinds down opponents and forces mistakes. If they dictate the tempo, they can frustrate even the most explosive offenses.
March Madness 2026: How to Watch & Streaming Options
March Madness 2026 is set to bring non-stop basketball action, with 68 teams battling for the national championship. Whether you’re watching from home, on the go, or streaming from your favorite device, there are plenty of ways to catch every game live. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch March Madness 2026, including TV channels, streaming platforms, and international viewing options.
TV Broadcast Schedule
As always, the NCAA Tournament will be broadcast across multiple networks, ensuring fans don’t miss a single game. The following channels will provide full coverage:
- CBS: Home to the Final Four and National Championship, along with select early-round games.
- TBS: Covers key matchups, including regional finals and early-round action.
- TNT: Hosts first and second-round games, bringing high-quality analysis and coverage.
- truTV: The go-to channel for the First Four and additional early-round games.
Check your local listings for specific game times and channels.
Official Streaming Options
Fans who prefer to stream March Madness 2026 have multiple platforms to choose from, ensuring they can watch games anytime, anywhere.
- March Madness Live (NCAA App & Website): The official streaming service for all tournament games, available on desktop, mobile, and smart TVs.
- Paramount+: Streams CBS games live, making it an essential option for the Final Four and National Championship.
- Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV: These live TV streaming services offer access to all four broadcasting channels (CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV).
- Max (with B/R Sports Add-On): Streams TBS, TNT, and truTV games for subscribers.
How to Watch March Madness 2026 Internationally
For fans outside the U.S., the tournament is available through various international sports networks.
- Canada: TSN and Sportsnet provide full tournament coverage.
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports streams all March Madness games live.
- Australia: ESPN Australia offers complete tournament coverage.
- Europe & Other Regions: NBA League Pass and select sports networks may offer coverage in different territories.
For those traveling abroad, using a VPN service can help access U.S. streaming platforms.
Radio & Audio Streaming Options
If you can’t watch live, audio coverage is available for every game.
- Westwood One Sports: The exclusive NCAA Tournament radio broadcaster, available on local stations and online.
- SiriusXM: Offers live play-by-play commentary and expert analysis.
Watching March Madness on Social Media
For fans who want highlights, instant updates, and behind-the-scenes content, social media platforms provide real-time coverage.
- X (formerly Twitter): Follow @MarchMadness for live score updates, breaking news, and highlights.
- Instagram & TikTok: Behind-the-scenes content, player reactions, and viral moments.
- Facebook & YouTube: Post-game press conferences, interviews, and analysis.
- Reddit (r/CollegeBasketball & r/MarchMadness): Community discussions, predictions, and fan reactions.
March Madness 2026: Ticket Prices & Availability
March Madness 2026 is one of the most highly anticipated events in college basketball, and demand for tickets is expected to be through the roof. Whether you’re looking to attend the First Four, catch the action in the early rounds, or witness the crowning of a national champion at the Final Four, securing tickets early is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know about ticket prices, seating options, and availability for this year’s tournament.
How to Buy March Madness 2026 Tickets
Fans have several options to purchase tickets for March Madness:
- Official NCAA Ticket Exchange: The safest and most reliable way to purchase verified tickets directly from the NCAA.
- Team Allotments: Schools participating in each round receive a limited number of tickets for students, alumni, and donors.
- Resale Marketplaces: Secondary ticket platforms such as StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster Resale offer additional ticket options.
- Final Four Fan Packages: The NCAA offers official hospitality packages that include premium seating, pre-game experiences, and exclusive access to events.
March Madness 2026 Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on the round, venue, and seat location. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated pricing for March Madness 2026.
First Four (March 17-18, Dayton, OH – UD Arena)
- Lower-Level Center: $250 – $400
- Lower-Level Corners: $180 – $300
- Upper-Level Sideline: $100 – $180
- Upper-Level Baseline: $80 – $150
First & Second Rounds (March 19-22, Various Locations)
- Floor Seats: $1,000 – $1,500
- Lower-Level Sideline: $600 – $900
- Lower-Level Baseline: $400 – $700
- Upper-Level Sideline: $250 – $450
- Upper-Level Baseline: $150 – $300
Sweet 16 & Elite Eight (March 26-29, Regional Sites)
- Lower-Level Sideline: $1,000 – $2,000
- Lower-Level Baseline: $750 – $1,500
- Upper-Level Sideline: $500 – $1,000
- Upper-Level Baseline: $300 – $600
Final Four & National Championship (April 4 & 6, Indianapolis, IN – Lucas Oil Stadium)
- Courtside VIP: $5,000 – $12,000
- Lower-Level Sideline: $2,500 – $4,500
- Lower-Level Baseline: $1,500 – $3,000
- Club Level: $1,200 – $2,500
- Upper-Level Sideline: $700 – $1,500
- Upper-Level Baseline: $500 – $1,000
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Here are some strategies to secure the best tickets at the best prices:
- Buy Early: Prices tend to rise as the tournament progresses, especially for the Final Four.
- Consider Session Passes: Some venues offer passes that cover multiple games in the same location.
- Look for Resale Drops: As teams are eliminated, fans often resell their tickets, creating price drops.
- Check Multiple Platforms: Compare prices across different resale sites to find the best deal.
- Be Flexible: If your top-choice location is too expensive, consider an alternate venue.