All the Ways to Watch March Madness (And Which Option is Most Reliable)

Want to know how to watch March Madness this year without missing a drive? In 2025, the men's and women's NCAA tournaments promise thrilling games and unforgettable moments, and we’ve got you covered with all the details.

Here's a breakdown of how to watch all the action, including schedules, channels, streaming options, and major storylines.

Men's March Madness 2025 Schedule and Channels

The men's NCAA basketball tournament begins with Selection Sunday on March 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS. This is when the 68 teams are announced. The men’s basketball tournament progresses through several rounds:

• First Four: March 18-19.
• First and Second Rounds: March 20-23.
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: March 27-30.
• Final Four and Championship: April 5-7.

Games will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. CBS games can also be streamed on Paramount+, while games on TBS, TNT, and truTV are available on the NCAA March Madness Live app or on Max.

Women's March Madness 2025 Schedule and Channels

The women's NCAA basketball tournament starts with Selection Sunday on March 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The women’s basketball tournament is as follows:

• First Four: March 19-20.
• First and Second Rounds: March 21-24.
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: March 28-31.
• Final Four and Championship: April 4-6.

All women's tournament games will be broadcast on ESPN networks and streamed on the ESPN app. Find out how to watch ESPN without cable here.

Streaming Services to Watch March Madness

If you prefer streaming over traditional cable, several services offer access to March Madness games:

• Paramount+: Streams all CBS games live.
• March Madness Live App: Provides live streaming of games on TBS, TNT, and truTV.
• Max: Streams games broadcast on TBS, TNT, and truTV.
• Hulu + Live TV: Offers live access to CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.
• YouTube TV: Includes live streaming of CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.
• Sling TV: Provides access to TBS, TNT, and truTV; however, CBS Sports is not included.

Please note that while some services offer free trials, most require a subscription. Additionally, the March Madness Live app may require authentication through a participating TV provider.

Free Viewing Options

While free options are limited, there are ways to watch some games without a subscription:

• Antenna: Using an over-the-air antenna, you can watch CBS games live without a cable subscription.
• Free Trials: Some streaming services offer free trials for new users. For example, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV often provide short trial periods. Be sure to check their websites for current offers and remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.

Major Storylines for March Madness 2025

As the tournaments approach, several compelling storylines have emerged:

• St. John's Resurgence: Under coach Rick Pitino, St. John's has achieved a remarkable 22-4 record, positioning the Red Storm as strong contenders.
• Duke's Freshman Phenoms: Led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg, Duke has adopted a strategy focusing on young talent, resulting in a dominant season.
• SEC Dominance: The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has become a powerhouse in college basketball, with teams like Auburn and Alabama leading the rankings.
• Women's Tournament Excitement: The women's tournament features top teams like UCLA, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. A recent double-overtime thriller saw NC State upset top-ranked Notre Dame, ending their 20-game winning streak.

With these storylines and more, the 2025 NCAA tournaments promise to deliver exciting basketball action. Whether you choose to watch on traditional TV or through streaming services, you'll have plenty of options to catch every game.

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