March Madness is nearly upon us, with “Selection Sunday” scheduled for March 16, 2025. On this day, the NCAA selection committee will unveil the 68-team brackets for both men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments, marking the beginning of a thrilling season filled with competition and potential upsets. The events will be broadcasted across multiple platforms, allowing fans to engage with the excitement as teams vie for a shot at the championship.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) How to watch Selection Sunday |
| 2) Who is hosting? |
| 3) Key dates for the men’s tournament |
| 4) Women’s tournament schedule |
| 5) Significance of March Madness |
How to watch Selection Sunday
Selection Sunday for NCAA basketball serves as a pivotal moment as teams, fans, and players await the announcement of the brackets. The men’s tournament selection will kick off at 6 p.m. ET, exclusively on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+. Following shortly after, the women’s tournament selection commences at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ESPN and also available for streaming on ESPN+. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to watch the live coverage through NCAA March Madness Live, offering an all-encompassing experience.
Who is hosting?
The hosting duties for the men’s selection show will fall upon CBS’ Adam Zucker, who will be joined by notable analysts such as Clark Kellogg, Jay Wright, and Seth Davis. Throughout the program, the chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, Bubba Cunningham, will share insights and provide a live interview to discuss the brackets further. For the women’s selection show, Elle Duncan from ESPN will take the reins. She will be supported by a strong ensemble of analysts including Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, Carolyn Peck, and reporter Holly Rowe, along with the well-known “bracketologist” Charlie Creme.
Key dates for the men’s tournament
The men’s tournament will feature several crucial dates, starting with the First Four games on March 18 and 19 at the University of Dayton, Ohio. Following that, the first round of competition will take place on March 20 and 21, leading into the second round on March 22 and 23. The tournament will continue to heat up with the Sweet 16 matches on March 27 and 28, culminating in the Elite Eight rounds on March 29 and 30. The much-anticipated Final Four games will be held on April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, with the championship game set for April 7 at the same venue. These dates mark significant moments that can leave lasting impacts on the teams and players involved.
Women’s tournament schedule
As for the women’s tournament, the schedule follows a similar sequence, beginning with the First Four games on March 19 and 20, although the location is yet to be confirmed. The excitement will continue with the first round matches on March 21 and 22, followed by second-round games on March 23 and 24. The Sweet 16 will take place on March 28 and 29, leading into the Elite Eight rounds on March 30 and 31. The highly anticipated Final Four for the women will take place on April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, culminating in the championship game on April 6 at the same venue. This structured timeline ensures a thrilling experience for fans and participants alike, mirroring the stakes of the men’s competition.
Significance of March Madness
March Madness is more than just a tournament; it symbolizes the culmination of hard work, persistence, and the unpredictable nature of sports. College basketball players, many of whom are at the brink of launching professional careers, have trained and played vigorously to earn a spot in this prestigious competition. The fever surrounding March Madness extends beyond the players to the universities, fans, and communities they represent. For many, the chance for a Cinderella team to make a significant upset adds an extra layer of excitement, illustrating the beauty of college sports where any team can reach extraordinary heights against the odds. The NCAA tournaments foster a sense of community and engagement that resonates with fans across the nation, contributing to the larger cultural phenomenon.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Selection Sunday for NCAA basketball occurs on March 16, 2025 for both men’s and women’s tournaments. |
| 2 | The men’s selection starts at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, while the women’s selection follows at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. |
| 3 | The men’s tournament features the First Four games on March 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio. |
| 4 | The women’s tournament also has a similar schedule, with the First Four games on March 19-20. |
| 5 | March Madness is a significant cultural event, uniting fans and communities through the excitement of college basketball. |
Summary
March Madness continues to capture the hearts of basketball fans and athletes alike, providing an exciting platform for competition and community engagement. With the upcoming Selection Sunday on March 16, anticipation grows for the opportunities that lie ahead for participating teams. The detailed schedules for both men’s and women’s tournaments ensure that fans remain engaged and witness the unpredictable outcomes that make this event iconic. As the tournaments approach, the stakes rise, and March Madness stands as a testament to the excitement and unpredictability inherent in college sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is Selection Sunday?
Selection Sunday is the day when the NCAA reveals the brackets for both the men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments. It marks the official beginning of March Madness.
Question: How can I watch the NCAA tournaments?
Fans can watch the NCAA tournaments through various platforms, including CBS for the men’s tournament and ESPN for the women’s tournament. Both tournaments will also be available for streaming on respective services.
Question: When do the championship games take place?
The men’s NCAA championship game is scheduled for April 7, 2025, while the women’s championship game will occur on April 6, 2025. Both games will take place at iconic venues.
