The Madness Begins: Everything You Need to Know
The Madness Begins: Everything You Need to Know: The most exciting time in college basketball has arrived March Madness is here. For months, teams have battled through the highs and lows of the season, fighting for their place in the NCAA tournament. Now, their fate rests in the hands of the selection committee, which will unveil the highly anticipated 68-team brackets on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2025.
This annual event marks the official start of the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s tournaments, setting the stage for weeks of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable championship runs. For players, coaches, and fans, this is the moment when dreams are realized or heartbreak begins.
How to Watch Selection Sunday
The men’s tournament bracket will be revealed at 6 p.m. ET on CBS and the streamed live on Paramount+. Immediately following, the women’s tournament bracket will be announced at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, with streaming available on ESPN+.
For fans who can’t tune in through traditional TV channels, the NCAA will provide live coverage of both selection shows on NCAA March Madness Live, ensuring that no one misses out on the excitement.
Who’s Hosting the Selection Shows?
The men’s Selection Sunday broadcast will be hosted by CBS’ Adam Zucker, who will be joined by a panel of experts, including Clark Kellogg, Jay Wright, and Seth Davis. In addition, Bubba Cunningham, chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, will provide insights into the committee’s decision-making process and discuss the final bracket.
For the women’s selection show, ESPN’s Elle Duncan will take center stage, alongside a distinguished group of analysts, including Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, and Carolyn Peck. Holly Rowe will provide in-depth coverage, while Charlie Creme, ESPN’s renowned bracketologist, will break down the seeding and matchups.
The Road to the Championship: Men’s Tournament Schedule
The NCAA men’s tournament officially tips off with the First Four games on March 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio. From there, the competition intensifies as teams progress through each stage, all leading to the grand finale the NCAA Championship Game on April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Here’s the full schedule for the men’s tournament:
- First Four: March 18-19 (University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio)
- First Round: March 20-21
- Second Round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5 (Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas)
- NCAA Championship Game: April 7 (Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas)
As teams battle through each round, the pressure will only grow, with Cinderella stories and powerhouse programs alike aiming to cut down the nets as national champions.
The Women’s Tournament Journey
The women’s NCAA tournament follows a similar structure, with the First Four games taking place on March 19-20. While the exact location is yet to be determined, the Final Four and Championship Game are set to take place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Here’s the full schedule for the women’s tournament:
- First Four: March 19-20
- First Round: March 21-22
- Second Round: March 23-24
- Sweet 16: March 28-29
- Elite Eight: March 30-31
- Final Four: April 4th (Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida)
- Championship Game of NCAA: April 6 (Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida)
The women’s tournament has grown in excitement and competitiveness in recent years, with record-breaking viewership and thrilling moments that rival the men’s competition. Fans can expect another electrifying tournament filled with standout performances and unforgettable games.
What to Expect This Year
With Selection Sunday just days away, teams on the bubble will be anxiously waiting to hear their names called, while top-seeded programs will be eager to see their path to the championship. The NCAA selection committee faces a difficult task, balancing conference performances, strength of schedule, and overall records to determine the best field of 68.
March Madness is known for its unpredictability, with lower-seeded teams often delivering shocking upsets. Every year, a Cinderella story emerges an underdog squad that defies expectations and captures the hearts of basketball fans across the country. Meanwhile, powerhouse programs will look to reaffirm their dominance and add another championship banner to their storied legacies.
Get Ready for the Madness
As the brackets are unveiled on March 16, fans will quickly analyze matchups, fill out their brackets, and prepare for the rollercoaster ride that is March Madness. Whether you’re cheering for a blue-blood program, hoping for an underdog run, or just looking forward to the drama of the tournament, one thing is certain college basketball’s most thrilling weeks are about to begin.
Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for Selection Sunday because the madness is about to take over once again!